a winding river

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a winding river" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a river that has many curves and bends, often evoking imagery of a scenic landscape. Example: "The hikers followed the path alongside a winding river, enjoying the serene beauty of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We turned into a winding river so narrow that the trees overhead formed a green tunnel.

The New Yorker

"It is a winding river," Mr. Cortez, a political independent, said in an interview on Wednesday.

The New York Times

And as we descended into the Barranco Valley, the clouds withdrew, revealing a cascading waterfall, emptying into a winding river that would lead us to our evening camp.

The New York Times

And the last leg, from Zerok to the mountain where the outpost stands, is a three-hour hike on a dirt trail through a winding river bed.

The New York Times

Mr. Wahid is like a winding river, he said, twisting and turning to avoid obstacles but flowing consistently downhill toward its goal, the sea.

The New York Times

I'm sure the catamaran's fabulous, but I'd take that walk, past a winding river and through an eerie forest of wind-snapped trees, any day.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

After your first leisurely stroll along historic River Road, you'll think a quiet winding river really may be better than a packed sandy beach.

Huffington Post

Le Fandy may sound like the name of a quiet, winding river somewhere in Normandy -- an impression heightened by the evocative black-and-white photo on the menu -- but in fact Fandy is Mr. Plastiak's nickname from his Slovakian boyhood.

The New York Times

Rose Tremain In 1967, the year I left university, I spent most of the summer in an isolated house in Corsica, built above a deep, winding river.

The Guardian - Books

From seat 10A, on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, I'm looking out my porthole window as I type at a city below that might be Memphis — one wrapped around a big, winding river, at least.

The New Yorker

By Steve Coll November 3, 2009 From seat 10A, on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, I'm looking out my porthole window as I type at a city below that might be Memphis — one wrapped around a big, winding river, at least.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a winding river" with other descriptive elements, such as lush forests or rolling hills, to create a more vivid and immersive image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a winding river" excessively in a single piece of writing. While descriptive, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or focus on other aspects of the river, such as its depth, color, or current.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a winding river" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "river" with the adjective "winding", indicating a specific characteristic of the river's course. Ludwig shows that the phrase is commonly used to add detail to descriptions of landscapes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a winding river" is a common and grammatically sound descriptive phrase used to paint a picture of a river with a meandering course. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and frequent appearance in various contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and travel writing. When using this phrase, writers should consider the visual imagery they wish to evoke and avoid overuse to maintain freshness in their descriptions. Related phrases such as ""a meandering river"" and ""a twisting river"" can serve as useful alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meandering river

Emphasizes the indirect and somewhat aimless nature of the river's path.

a twisting river

Focuses on the sharp turns and bends in the river's course.

a serpentine river

Compares the river's shape to that of a snake, highlighting its curves.

a tortuous river

Suggests a river with a complex and potentially difficult path to navigate.

a curving river

Simplifies the description to the basic attribute of having curves.

a rambling river

Implies a leisurely and wandering flow.

a sinuous river

Highlights the graceful and flowing curves of the river.

a bending river

Similar to "curving river" but may suggest more abrupt changes in direction.

a labyrinthine river

Conveys a sense of complexity and intricacy in the river's course.

a mazelike river

Similar to "labyrinthine river", emphasizing the difficulty of following its path.

FAQs

What does "a winding river" mean?

The phrase "a winding river" describes a river that doesn't flow in a straight line but has many curves and bends along its course. It often evokes images of a natural and somewhat meandering waterway.

What can I say instead of "a winding river"?

You can use alternatives like "a meandering river", "a twisting river", or "a serpentine river" to describe a river with a non-linear course.

How can I effectively use the image of "a winding river" in my writing?

Use "a winding river" to symbolize journeys, changes, or the passage of time. It can also represent the natural flow of events or the unpredictable nature of life. Combine it with other sensory details to create a richer and more evocative scene.

Is it appropriate to use "a winding river" in formal writing?

Yes, "a winding river" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing landscapes or natural settings. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. If a more technical term is needed, consult geographical resources for specific river classifications.