flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing the smoothness of a process, the movement of a substance, or the progression of ideas. Example: "The flow of the conversation was natural and engaging, allowing everyone to contribute their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Tech

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything will be covered but there will be some flexibility in shifting things around according to the flow of the workshops and the needs of the students.

The Guardian

I've been wolfing down whey protein powder (cross flow, micro-filtered and hydrolysed) and branch-chain amino acid tablets".

The Guardian

The propaganda flow in a warzone like Gaza is intense.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can clearly see the speed and assurance of Schiele's execution, the uninhibited flow of the hand, denoting – in a few quick seconds of activity – tumbling curls of hair or crumpled fabric, or the fluid confluence of flank and hip and thigh.

The Guardian - Arts

And it would follow that bringing in new entrants to the market and giving them autonomy over staff terms and conditions will banish this inertia and innovation will flow.

The Guardian

The deaths of around 1,800 people in the Mediterranean so far this year has also led to increasing discussion of how best to stem the flow of migrants from North Africa.

The Guardian

Cameron's proposal is modelled on the Spanish response to the flow of refugees to the Canary Islands from west Africa.

The Guardian

This is a puzzle game involving moving rocks to guide a flow of energy round a mystic garden – complete with a suitably woozy soundtrack.

The Guardian - Tech

"Co-operation is required from all sides so that the cash flow problem is confronted," he said.

The Guardian

That's the nice thing, you can have opinions and they kind of change and flow".

The Guardian - Film

This week, Nigerien legislators adopted a law calling for prison sentences of up to 30 years for smugglers of illegal immigrants in an attempt to stem the flow of migrants leaving Africa for Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flow" to describe not only physical movement of fluids, but also abstract progressions like the "flow" of a conversation or a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "flow" too generically in technical writing; instead, opt for more specific terms that accurately describe the type of movement or progression, such as 'transfer rate', 'discharge volume', or 'progression sequence'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flow" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it represents the act of moving or the quantity of something moving. As a verb, it describes the action of moving continuously, like in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Tech

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "flow" is commonly used in English as both a noun and a verb to describe movement or progression, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, but also appears frequently in business and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of overusing "flow" in technical contexts, and consider more specific alternatives to maintain clarity. Related terms include "stream", "current" and "progression".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stream

Focuses on the continuous movement of something, similar to "flow" but often implying a more directed path.

current

Emphasizes the continuous movement within a body of liquid or air.

progression

Highlights the sequential or chronological movement or advancement of something.

succession

Emphasizes the sequence of things following one another.

series

Similar to succession, but it highlights that a number of things are following each other.

streamline

Implies improving the "flow" to make it more efficient.

continuity

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of something, similar to "flow" in abstract contexts.

movement

Broadly refers to the act of changing position or location.

discharge

Suggests a release or emission, often of a liquid or gas.

outpouring

Implies a copious or unrestrained release of something.

FAQs

How can I use "flow" in a sentence?

You can use "flow" to describe the movement of liquids, like "The water began to flow downstream". It can also describe abstract processes, like "The ideas flowed freely during the brainstorming session".

What can I say instead of "flow"?

Alternatives to "flow" include "stream", "current", or "progression", depending on the specific context you're using it in.

Is it correct to use "flow" to describe the movement of people?

Yes, "flow" can be used to describe the movement of people, especially in large numbers or continuously. For instance, "The flow of migrants from North Africa" is a valid usage.

What is the difference between "flow" and "flux"?

"Flow" generally refers to a continuous movement or progression. "Flux", on the other hand, implies a state of change or fluctuation. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "flux" often suggests instability or variability, whereas "flow" suggests a more steady state.