flowed like a river

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flowed like a river" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves smoothly and continuously, often in a metaphorical sense, such as thoughts, words, or emotions. Example: "Her words flowed like a river, captivating everyone in the room with their beauty and depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Lester Lanin came himself and made a little speech about still remembering the time he played at my parents' wedding reception.... Veuve Clicquot flowed like a river.... J.F.K. and Jackie canceled at the last minute".

The New York Times - Books

Fendi men's wear, displayed Sunday in a dramatic presentation as a runway-long line of sculptural mannequins, also had fabric combinations that flowed like a river from wool to fur.

The New York Times

Even during the go-go 1990s, when venture capital flowed like a river, the most successful startup bootstrapped itself.

Forbes

I swear I was unconscious while writing it as it flowed like a river through me.

Huffington Post

The wine flowed like a river, as wine does when you get a bunch of women together on a Saturday night.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And paper that flows like a river.

The New York Times

It's flowing like a river".

The New York Times

You listen to it flowing like a river".

The Guardian - Music

Believable conversation flows like a river, twisting, moulding and shaping today's language.

The Guardian - Books

Redundancies among professional journalists are flowing like a river in spate.

The Guardian - Opinion

DAVID EAGLEMAN: We've taken time in physics for granted, assuming under Newton that it flows like a river.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flowed like a river" to create a vivid image of something moving continuously and abundantly, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider whether a more specific verb or image would be more effective in your context.

Common error

While "flowed like a river" is acceptable, be mindful of its cliché status. Overusing it can weaken your writing. Seek fresh similes or metaphors to add originality and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flowed like a river" functions primarily as a simile, which is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as." According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and serves to vividly describe something moving continuously and abundantly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flowed like a river" is a simile used to describe something moving continuously and abundantly. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. While common, it risks sounding cliché, so consider alternative expressions for greater originality. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to create a vivid image of uninterrupted movement. Be mindful of overusing this expression in favor of more specific or creative language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poured out in abundance

This alternative conveys the idea of something being released or appearing in a large quantity.

streamed continuously

This suggests a steady and uninterrupted flow, similar to a stream.

coursed freely

This implies a natural and uninhibited movement or progression.

gushed forth

This indicates a sudden and forceful outpouring of something.

cascaded down

This evokes the image of something falling or flowing in a series of stages.

ebbed and flowed

Suggests a fluctuating movement, rising and falling like a tide.

moved steadily

Emphasizes a constant and unwavering movement.

progressed smoothly

Highlights the ease and lack of obstruction in the movement.

advanced continuously

Indicates an ongoing and uninterrupted forward movement.

proceeded without interruption

Focuses on the absence of any hindrance or pause in the movement.

FAQs

How can I use "flowed like a river" in a sentence?

You can use "flowed like a river" to describe something that moves continuously and abundantly, such as "The wine flowed like a river at the wedding."

What's a similar phrase to "flowed like a river"?

Alternatives include "poured out in abundance", "streamed continuously", or "gushed forth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flowed like a river" a cliché?

Yes, "flowed like a river" can be considered a cliché due to its frequent use. While grammatically correct, consider using a more original simile to enhance your writing.

What are some situations where I shouldn't use "flowed like a river"?

Avoid using "flowed like a river" in formal or academic writing where originality and precision are highly valued. In these contexts, a more specific and less common simile or metaphor would be preferable.