canals through which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "canals through which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe channels or pathways that allow for the passage of something, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The city is known for its intricate system of canals through which boats navigate daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As it grew, the lagoon gradually became divided into a series of informal canals, through which taxi-canoes are manoeuvred by nimble young bodies.

The Guardian

These symptoms include: Severe purulent discharge: The infection may contaminate the lacrimal glands, or the canals through which tears are eliminated.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Gulf, the canal through which more than 50% of the world's oil is shipped, would be closed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The anterior canal is the food tube through which fluids are drawn by a sucking pump (described below); the posterior tube is the salivary canal through which digestive and certain other fluids may pass into a food source.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bone spurs are familiar in the feet and knees, but they can occur in the spine as well, narrowing both the central canal through which nerves pass and the small openings, called foramina, where they exit.

The New Yorker

But so far, the turmoil in Egypt has threatened neither the Suez Canal, through which more than 800,000 barrels of oil move by tanker every day, nor production in the country's oil fields offshore or in the desert.

The New York Times

This transfer is more complex in the earthworms, however, because the respective male pores are not in direct opposition; each individual forms a temporary skin canal through which the sperm flow to their respective sacs for storage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ship was released on May 7th, but the incident prompted America to deploy warships to watch over American-flagged vessels entering the strait, a practice since stopped.Iranian ships have also shadow-boxed with American and Arab forces around the busy Bab al-Mandab, the strait leading into the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, through which around 10% of all sea trade passes.

The Economist

Outlets are important hydraulic structures of the canal through which water is released from a distributary channel into a water course.

Planning and Evaluation of Irrigation Projects Methods and Implementation

Bennett interpreted this as indicating a more spacious birth canal, through which eggs would pass.

Wikipedia

Last week the ship had re-emerged, heading away from Cuba and back towards the canal, through which it would have to pass to return to North Korea.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing infrastructure or geographical features, use "canals through which" to clearly indicate that the canals serve as conduits for movement or transportation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "canals through which" can sometimes sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "canals that..." or "canals where..." for better readability in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "canals through which" functions as a prepositional phrase specifying the means or medium through which something passes or moves. It describes the role of the canals as conduits. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing such scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "canals through which" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe waterways serving as conduits for movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, the phrase finds its place in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. For less formal writing, simpler alternatives are advisable. Remember to use this phrase when you want to specifically emphasize the function of canals as channels for passage or transport.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

channels through which

Replaces "canals" with the more general term "channels", broadening the scope to include any type of conduit.

waterways through which

Substitutes "canals" with "waterways", emphasizing the aquatic nature of the channels.

passages through which

Uses "passages" to highlight the act of moving through the canals, rather than the canals themselves.

conduits through which

Employs "conduits", which is a more technical term for channels or pipes.

routes through which

Focuses on the directional aspect, implying established paths or courses.

aqueducts through which

Specifies "aqueducts", which are canals or channels designed to carry water.

systems through which

Replaces "canals" with "systems", referring to the complete infrastructure including the canals.

pathways via which

Replaces "canals" and "through which" with "pathways" and "via which", resulting in more formal tone.

watercourses through which

Uses "watercourses" to indicate natural or artificial channels for water.

arteries through which

Employs "arteries" metaphorically to suggest main or vital channels.

FAQs

How can I use "canals through which" in a sentence?

You can use "canals through which" to describe waterways that facilitate movement or passage. For example: "The city is known for its intricate system of "canals through which" boats navigate daily."

What are some alternatives to "canals through which"?

Alternatives include "channels through which", "waterways through which", or "passages through which", depending on the specific context and emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to say "canals that" or "canals through which"?

While both are grammatically correct, "canals through which" emphasizes the function of the canals as conduits, while "canals that" is a more general description. Use "canals through which" when you want to highlight the act of passage or movement.

How does "canals through which" differ from "canals where"?

"Canals where" indicates a location or setting, while "canals through which" indicates a pathway or conduit. Use "canals where" to describe activities or features associated with the canals, and "canals through which" to describe movement or flow.