canalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "canalize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process by which something is directed into a specific channel or route. For example, "We aimed to canalize the excess runoff into the designated drainage system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Most defensive thinking on the eve of World War I was reserved for the permanent fort, which was designed to canalize enemy advance and to afford time for national mobilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some 30 years after 1870, considering the likelihood of another German war, the French high command had subscribed to the strategy of an initial defensive to be followed by a counterstroke against the expected invasion: a great system of fortresses was created on the frontier, but gaps were left in order to "canalize" the German attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Hidrovía project proposes to dredge and canalize the Paraguay and Parana Rivers for 2,000 miles into the interior, in order to create a ship channel for oceangoing vessels serving Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Brazil.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The canals and canalized rivers of that period foreshadowed the European network to be developed over many years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Among the new canals and extensions built were the Mons-Condé and the Pommeroeul-Antoing canals, which connected the Haine and the Schelde; the Sambre was canalized; the Willebroek Canal was extended southward with the building of the Charleroi-Brussels Canal in 1827; and somewhat later the Campine routes were opened to serve Antwerp and connect the Meuse and Schelde.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While early navigation of natural rivers was dependent on the use of sail for upstream operation, towpaths and animal haulage were provided when rivers were canalized and artificial canals constructed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fundamentally, waterways fall into three categories, each with its particular problems: natural rivers, canalized rivers, and artificial canals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On canalized rivers and artificial canals, the waterway consists of a series of level steps formed by impounding barriers through which vessels pass by a navigation lock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It then runs northeast and north together with the Mittelland Canal, which provides links to the Elbe and northeast Germany, joining it to the north of Münster, and from Papenburg the canal runs through the canalized bed of the Ems River to reach the North Sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Between 1892 and 1899 the river was canalized to connect it with the Dortmund-Ems Canal in order to provide a German waterborne outlet for the Ruhr industrial district.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Groningen, gemeente (municipality), northern Netherlands, at the junction of the canalized Drentsche Aa and Hunze rivers and several canals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "canalize" when you specifically want to emphasize the act of directing something into a defined channel or pathway, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "canalize" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler and more common synonyms like "direct" or "channel" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "canalize" is as a verb, denoting the action of directing or channeling something. Ludwig shows its use in contexts ranging from directing enemy advances in military strategy to managing waterways and rivers.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

66%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Canalize" is a verb that means to direct or channel something, often into a specific course or pathway. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's relatively rare in everyday usage. It appears more frequently in formal contexts, particularly in encyclopedias and news articles, often related to the physical redirection of waterways or, metaphorically, the channeling of efforts or resources. Alternatives such as "channel", "direct", and "guide" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

channel

This is the most direct synonym, implying the creation of a pathway for something to flow.

direct

This term broadens the sense to include general guidance, not necessarily physical paths.

guide

Similar to "direct", but suggests a more supportive and less forceful approach.

funnel

Implies narrowing or concentrating something as it moves towards a destination.

divert

This suggests a change of course, steering something away from its original path.

route

Focuses on establishing a specific course or path for movement.

steer

Implies active control and maneuvering to keep something on the intended course.

focus

Shifts the meaning to concentrating effort or attention on a particular objective.

streamline

Suggests making a process or system more efficient and direct.

mold

Implies shaping something into a desired form or direction.

FAQs

How do you use "canalize" in a sentence?

You can use "canalize" to describe the act of directing something into a specific channel or route. For example, "The engineers worked to "canalize" the river to prevent flooding".

What can I say instead of "canalize"?

You can use alternatives like "channel", "direct", or "guide" depending on the context.

Is "canalize" the same as "channel"?

While closely related, ""canalize"" specifically implies directing something into a constructed or defined channel, whereas "channel" can be a broader term.

What's the difference between "canalize" and "divert"?

"Canalize" implies creating or using a channel for something to follow, while "divert" suggests changing the course of something away from its original path.