a stream of air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a stream of air' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a steady movement of air, as in the following example sentence: I opened the window and immediately felt a stream of air on my face.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He experienced a stream of air passing through him.

The Guardian - Opinion

A stream of air over the molten mass preferentially oxidized the lead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tube shape is maintained by a stream of air blown through the mandrel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traces of CHCl3 were removed by passing a stream of air through the remaining solution.

Nature

These atomise water with a stream of air, using tiny nozzles arrayed around a huge fan blade.

The Economist

First, a stream of air is run over the absorbing material in question, which pulls CO2 out of it.

The Economist

Lilienthal began to conduct studies of the forces operating on wings in a stream of air in the late 1870s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Experiments are performed in a stream of air at 480, 510, 540 and 660°C.

Chemical Engineering Science

As the autogiro is propelled forward through the air, with a stream of air flowing upward through its rotor, lift is generated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An example of an excellent adsorbent is the charcoal used in gas masks to remove poisons or impurities from a stream of air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In flutes and organ flue pipes a stream of air passing a sharp edge sets up vibrations in the pipe's air column.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical sensation or effect, use "a stream of air" to convey a continuous and directed movement of air, such as feeling a breeze from an open window or the output from a machine.

Common error

Avoid using "a stream of air" when describing a turbulent or chaotic movement of air. Opt for terms like "gust" or "blast" to accurately depict sudden and forceful air movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stream of air" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a quantity of air that is moving in a continuous flow. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing physical phenomena, sensory experiences, and mechanical processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stream of air" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a continuous flow of air. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and The New York Times underscore its reliability. While related phrases like "a current of air" or "a jet of air" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the intensity or direction of the airflow. When using this phrase, remember to focus on consistent, directed movement and avoid applying it to sudden or turbulent airflows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a current of air

Changes "stream" to "current", emphasizing continuous movement in a specific direction.

a flow of air

Replaces "stream" with "flow", indicating a smooth and steady movement.

a jet of air

Highlights a concentrated and directed release of air.

an air current

Simplifies the structure while retaining the core meaning of moving air.

a rush of air

Substitutes "stream" with "rush", highlighting a sudden and forceful movement.

a draft of air

Uses "draft" instead of "stream", suggesting a localized and often unwanted air movement.

a blast of air

Employs "blast" to convey a powerful and abrupt emission of air.

a gush of air

Replaces "stream" with "gush", indicating a sudden and copious outflow.

a wind of air

Suggests a more natural and less controlled movement of air.

a waft of air

Implies a gentle and light movement of air.

FAQs

How can I use "a stream of air" in a sentence?

You can use "a stream of air" to describe the sensation of moving air, as in, "I felt "a stream of air" coming from the vent."

What is an alternative to saying "a stream of air"?

Alternatives include "a current of air", "a flow of air", or "a jet of air", depending on the context and intensity of the air movement.

When should I use "a stream of air" versus "a gust of wind"?

"A stream of air" implies a steady and continuous flow, while "a gust of wind" describes a sudden and brief burst of air. Use "a stream of air" for consistent airflow and "a gust of wind" for sudden, strong breezes.

Is "a transfer of air" similar to "a stream of air"?

While both involve air, "a transfer of air" refers to the act of moving air from one place to another, while "a stream of air" describes the air itself in motion. They are related but not interchangeable in most contexts.