flow of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow of" is a perfectly valid expression in written English.
It is often used to talk about the continuous and consistent movement or transmission of something. For example, "The flow of ideas in the meeting was much better than in the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

flow of Southern California's freeways.

The New York Times

The flow of information went both ways.

The New Yorker

The flow of gas is virtually silent.

The Economist

He had a continuous flow of commissions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such instruments facilitate the flow of capital".

The New York Times

It's like the flow of life".

The New Yorker

The thick flow of foreign ones agreed.

The Economist

And so does the flow of innovations.

The New York Times

I go with flow of the match.

The New York Times

One flow of stinking pus after another".

The New Yorker

But they accelerate the flow of information.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts such as information or ideas, use "flow of" to emphasize the continuous and dynamic nature of their exchange.

Common error

Avoid using "flow of" with countable nouns that do not typically suggest a continuous stream. For example, instead of "flow of cars", consider "traffic flow" or "number of cars".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns and describe a continuous movement or supply. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe continuous movement or supply. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and wikis. When using "flow of", remember to pair it with nouns that represent continuous or collective entities. To enhance your writing, consider related phrases like "stream of" or "supply of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stream of

Emphasizes a continuous and abundant supply or movement, similar to "flow of" but often implying a greater volume or intensity.

passage of

Focuses on the movement or progression through time or space, relating to "flow of" in terms of continuous movement but with a different emphasis.

supply of

Highlights the provision or availability of something, akin to "flow of" when referring to resources or goods.

influx of

Indicates a sudden arrival or increase, similar to "flow of" but emphasizing the entry or introduction of something.

movement of

Draws attention to the act of moving or being moved, connecting to "flow of" in its basic sense of motion.

progression of

Highlights the sequence or advancement of something, similar to "flow of" in terms of continuous development but with a more structured connotation.

circulation of

Emphasizes the movement or transmission of something among people or places, relating to "flow of" in terms of distribution.

current of

Implies a directional movement or influence, similar to "flow of" but with a stronger sense of guidance or direction.

discharge of

Focuses on the release or emission of something, connecting to "flow of" in terms of outflow but with a more specific connotation.

outpouring of

Indicates a sudden and abundant release of something, similar to "flow of" but emphasizing the emotional or expressive aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "flow of" in a sentence?

You can use "flow of" to describe the continuous movement or supply of something. For example, "The "flow of" traffic was heavy" or "The "flow of" information was constant".

What are some alternatives to "flow of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stream of", "supply of", or "movement of".

Is it correct to use "flow of" when referring to discrete items?

While "flow of" typically suggests a continuous movement, it can be used with discrete items if they are considered as a collective mass or continuous stream. For example, "the "flow of" refugees" implies a continuous stream of people.

What's the difference between "flow of" and "stream of"?

"Flow of" generally refers to a continuous movement or supply, while "stream of" often implies a larger quantity or more forceful movement. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.