add water

USAGE SUMMARY

"add water" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a recipe or instruction manual, for example: "Add 3 cups of water and stir until combined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Add water if needed.

The New York Times

Add water if necessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do not add water.

The New York Times

(Add water as needed).

The New York Times - Magazine

Add water, instant draw.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes I add water.

The New York Times

Just Add Water?

The Guardian

Add water to cover.

The New York Times - Food

Add water to basin.

The New York Times

Add water, as needed.

The Washington Post

Add water, if necessary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "add water" in recipes, specify the amount and temperature of the water for best results.

Common error

Avoid adding too much water at once. Gradually "add water" to control the consistency and prevent a watery outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "add water" is a directive verb phrase. It instructs the user to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in recipes and instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "add water" is a grammatically sound and very common directive verb phrase used to instruct the addition of water in various processes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and widely applicable. It is found in various contexts, including news, wikis, and formal documents. While straightforward, it's crucial to specify the amount and temperature of the water when providing instructions. Remember to gradually "add water" to control consistency and prevent over-dilution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pour in water

Specifies the method of adding water.

incorporate water

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the inclusion of water.

mix in water

Focuses on the blending aspect of adding water.

introduce water

Highlights the act of bringing water into a mixture.

include water

Simply states that water is part of the ingredients or process.

supply water

Emphasizes the provision of water.

apply water

Suggests a more deliberate or controlled addition of water.

water addition

A noun phrase describing the act of adding water.

infuse with water

Implies a soaking or saturation process with water.

moisten with water

Focuses on making something damp or slightly wet.

FAQs

How to use "add water" in a sentence?

The phrase "add water" is commonly used in instructions or recipes. For example, "Add water to the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency."

What can I say instead of "add water"?

You can use alternatives like "pour in water", "mix in water", or "incorporate water" depending on the context.

Is it okay to say "add water", or are there more formal alternatives?

While "add water" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, "incorporate water" or "introduce water" might be preferred in formal or scientific writing.

When should I avoid using the phrase "add water"?

Avoid using "add water" when a more specific term is needed, such as "hydrate" in a scientific context or "dilute" when referring to a solution.