apply water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are instructing someone to use water for a specific purpose, such as in cooking, gardening, or cleaning. Example: "To prepare the soil for planting, you need to apply water evenly across the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

One method is to apply Water Footprint Network's water footprint assessment methodology – recently launched as a free online tool.

The Guardian

Sprinklers range from those that apply water in the form of a mist to those that apply an inch or more per hour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Firefighters had to use a jack to turn the Model S on its side, and then cut a hole in the car to apply water to the burning battery.

The New York Times

Micro-irrigation can apply water with high uniformity.

Biosystems Engineering

By that way designers are able to apply water hydraulics where advantageous.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The filter driving motor operated continuously to apply water on the membrane, ensuring the membrane remained wet.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Micro-irrigation systems are frequently used to apply water-soluble fertilizers.

Developments in Agricultural Engineering

Do not apply water-based solutions to wood blinds.

WikiHow

Don't try to apply water-based cleaning agents to your smoke-damaged walls.

WikiHow

Drip irrigation avoids such wastage by applying water directly to the plant's root zone.

The Guardian

But each time they applied water to the heated glass the intricate patterns appeared.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to use water for a specific purpose, consider using "apply water" followed by a clear explanation of how and where to "apply water". For example, "To prepare the soil for planting, you need to "apply water" evenly across the surface using a watering can".

Common error

Avoid overusing "apply water" in technical writing where more specific verbs like "irrigate", "spray", or "administer" might be more appropriate. Using more precise vocabulary enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply water" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "apply" is the transitive verb and "water" is the direct object. It describes the action of putting water onto something for a specific purpose. Ludwig confirms this with example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

Science

28%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply water" is a grammatically sound and functional verb phrase used to describe the act of putting water onto something for a specific reason. Ludwig shows that it’s most commonly found in how-to guides, scientific articles, and news reports. While generally neutral, "apply water" is effective for delivering instructions or describing a procedure. It's important to consider more specific verbs in technical writing for increased clarity. The Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in different context, making it a versatile tool for both general and specialized communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administer water

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "administer", suggesting a controlled or measured application of water.

dispense water

This alternative implies a controlled distribution of water, often from a container or system.

irrigate with water

This alternative is specific to the context of irrigation, meaning to supply land or crops with water.

shower with water

This alternative suggests a more forceful or abundant application of water, like in a shower.

spray water

This alternative implies that the water is released in a mist or stream.

pour water

This alternative indicates a simple act of transferring water from one container to another.

introduce water

This alternative is broader, indicating the act of bringing water into a system or environment.

supply water

This alternative suggests providing water to meet a need or requirement.

treat with water

This alternative indicates using water as a means of treatment or care.

douse with water

This alternative suggests soaking something thoroughly with water.

FAQs

How can I use "apply water" in a sentence?

You can use "apply water" in various contexts such as gardening (e.g., "Apply water to the base of the plant"), first aid (e.g., "Apply water to the burn to cool it down"), or cleaning (e.g., "Apply water to the stain before blotting").

What are some synonyms for "apply water"?

Some synonyms for "apply water" include "administer water", "dispense water", "pour water", or "spray water", depending on the context.

Is "apply water" formal or informal?

"Apply water" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, more specific terms might be preferred.

What is the difference between "apply water" and "add water"?

"Apply water" suggests a specific and often directed action of using water for a purpose, while "add water" simply means to include water as an ingredient or component. For instance, you might "apply water" to a wound but "add water" to a recipe.