drainage system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drainage system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe the system that removes water from an area. For example, "The road leading up to the mountain was prone to flooding, so a complex drainage system had to be installed to keep it passable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It lacks a sewer or drainage system.

The New York Times

(The city's drainage system needs attention).

The New York Times

Despite Headingley's new fancy drainage system.

The Guardian - Sport

A notable example is the drainage system of ancient Rome.

Britannica

That tunnel connected to the drainage system beneath the city.

The Guardian

Ultimately, the entire drainage system empties into the North Sea.

Britannica

The drainage system of Montenegro flows in two opposite directions.

Britannica

These sinking streams form tributaries of the underground drainage system.

Britannica

The drainage system is characterized by a lack of pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The country's drainage system is dominated by the Congo River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But many say uncontrolled development in the area made things worse, with the drainage system overwhelmed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing urban planning, specify the type of "drainage system" being used, such as 'green infrastructure' or 'conventional piped system', to provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "drainage system" as a catch-all term. Instead, be specific about what the system is designed to manage – is it stormwater, sewage, or agricultural runoff? This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drainage system" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to a structured network designed to remove excess water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include discussing infrastructure failures or planned improvements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drainage system" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a network designed for water removal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use across various registers, from neutral news reports to professional engineering documents. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the type of system (e.g., stormwater, sewage) instead of using the general term. Alternatives include "water management infrastructure" or "stormwater runoff control" depending on the specific context. The phrase's consistent usage and broad applicability make it a valuable term in discussions of water management and infrastructure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water management infrastructure

Replaces "drainage system" with a more comprehensive term focusing on water control.

stormwater runoff control

Focuses specifically on managing stormwater, a key function of many drainage systems.

sewerage network

Highlights the sewage aspect of a drainage system, focusing on wastewater conveyance.

channel system

Emphasizes the physical channels used for drainage, a key component of the system.

water removal mechanism

Provides a functional description, focusing on the purpose of the system.

flood control infrastructure

Highlights the flood prevention aspect of drainage, targeting a specific benefit.

effluent disposal system

Focuses on the disposal aspect of liquid waste, a potential role of a drainage system.

plumbing network

Broader term encompassing all the pipes and fixtures for water supply and drainage.

hydraulic infrastructure

Replaces "drainage system" with a technical term encompassing hydraulic works and systems.

land drainage arrangement

Provides a descriptive alternative, highlighting the system's role in draining land.

FAQs

How can I use "drainage system" in a sentence?

You might say, "The city's inadequate "drainage system" contributed to widespread flooding during the heavy rains".

What are some alternatives to "drainage system"?

Depending on the context, you could use "sewerage network", "stormwater runoff control", or "water management infrastructure".

What's the difference between "drainage system" and "sewage system"?

A "drainage system" broadly refers to any system that removes excess water, while a "sewage system" specifically handles wastewater and sewage.

When is it appropriate to use the term "drainage system"?

Use "drainage system" when referring to infrastructure designed to remove excess surface or subsurface water, preventing flooding or waterlogging. It's appropriate in contexts ranging from urban planning to agriculture.