by the stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the stream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location or setting near a stream, often in a descriptive or narrative context. Example: "We set up our picnic blanket by the stream, enjoying the sound of the water flowing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Walk down the path by the stream for 500m.

The Guardian - Travel

Summer concerts are held outside in the courtyard by the stream.

The Guardian - Travel

He loved to wander by the stream that dances in the sun.

The New York Times

They don't seem to have been much affected by the stream of film people, either.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many are alone – solitary figures backlit by the stream of headlights moving into the city.

The Guardian

We used to play baseball and hang by the stream running through it.

The Guardian

Standing by the stream in the moonlight, Sister Mary Clare said, "I won't be seeing you again.

The New Yorker

Then, swelled by the stream at its base, and last week's torrential rain, it must have burst like a bubble.

The Guardian

The next morning by the stream, Dave told Elizabeth about his times at the house when he was young.

The New Yorker

Gneiss had been exposed in two great slabs at acute angles, the fault cut wider by the stream, the sides showing glacial striation.

The Guardian - Books

We seek the wordless comfort of golden fields of cut corn, the sweet smell of black walnuts decaying by the stream.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the stream" to create a vivid and peaceful setting in your writing, enhancing the imagery and sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in the stream" when you mean "by the stream". "In the stream" implies being inside the water, while "by the stream" indicates a location beside it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the stream" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. It establishes the setting or spatial context for an action or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the stream" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase widely used to denote a location near a stream. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in English, evidenced by its frequent appearance across diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. Its primary function is to provide descriptive context, often evoking a sense of tranquility. While versatile, careful preposition choice is advised to avoid confusion with phrases like "in the stream". Alternatives such as "beside the stream" or "near the stream" can be used to achieve similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beside the stream

Indicates a position immediately next to the stream, emphasizing proximity.

by the brook

Uses "brook" as a synonym for stream, maintaining the same meaning.

next to the stream

Emphasizes the adjacency of a location to the stream.

near the stream

Indicates a location close to the stream, but not necessarily right next to it.

close to the stream

Highlights the closeness of a location to the stream.

adjacent to the stream

Uses a more formal term to indicate a location right next to the stream.

along the stream

Suggests movement or location that follows the course of the stream.

at the stream

Indicates a location specifically at the stream, often near the water's edge.

on the banks of the stream

Focuses on the stream's banks as the specific location.

in the stream's vicinity

Indicates a location in the general area around the stream.

FAQs

How can I use "by the stream" in a sentence?

"By the stream" is used to indicate a location or setting near a stream. For example, "We enjoyed a picnic "by the stream"".

What are some alternatives to saying "by the stream"?

You can use alternatives such as "beside the stream", "near the stream", or "along the stream".

Is there a difference between "by the stream" and "in the stream"?

"By the stream" indicates a location next to the stream, while "in the stream" implies being within the water. The correct choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "by the stream"?

It's appropriate to use "by the stream" when describing a scene or activity that takes place near a stream, emphasizing the proximity and often the tranquility of the setting.