flowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'flowing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that has a continuous and steady flow, such as in the following example sentence: The river was flowing slowly towards the ocean.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

In North Dakota, crews in Bottineau and Renville counties were cutting open some roads to keep water flowing and away from farmhouses.

The Guardian

"I am so excited that Brenda has made it," said Loyce, wearing an outstanding red floral flowing busuuti (type of dress).

The Guardian

In Spain's case, our adherence to what was then the European Community was the culmination of a yearning by successive generations cut off from the possibility of joining the broader current of peace, democracy and progress that was flowing north of the Pyrenean border.

The Guardian

Everything about Goldman suggests charm and fearlessness – even her flowing pink hair.

The Guardian - Film

Kim said the changes had come about because knowledge was not flowing through the organisation.

The Guardian

But at that time there was so much confusion, so much information flowing from everywhere – in retrospect we know that this many people came from here, but at the time it was just mayhem".

The Guardian

The combination of record commodity prices, hundreds of billions of dollars of capital flowing to Australia to build hundreds of new mines, and some of the highest interest rates in the world led to the highest exchange rate in modern history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carr described that period for the ALP as playing out a "Jacobean revenge drama: in one act the knife is flashing, the blood is flowing, the next act that's got to be avenged, the next act he's smoldering with hatred, the final act the stage is littered with gasping corpses".

The Guardian - Books

Not only were his side losing to a team with a reputation for flowing rugby who had instead turned up in a tactical straitjacket and kicked away most of the possession they won, rarely to any sort of effect, but Farrell had missed three successive penalties, all well within his range, and the malfunctioning of his radar blighted his general play.

The Guardian - Sport

Sweeping privatisation, low taxation, a flat 19% income tax rate and business-friendly policies have made Slovakia a magnet for foreign investment in the past few years, although prior to 1998, when Mr Meciar was in power, there was hardly any foreign money flowing in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "flowing" to emphasize the ease and natural progression of ideas or processes. For example, "the conversation was flowing effortlessly".

Common error

Avoid using "flowing" to describe something stationary or that lacks movement. For example, it's incorrect to say "the statue had a flowing design" when the design is fixed and unmoving. Consider using "fluid" or "dynamic" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flowing" is as a present participle or gerund, acting as a verb form describing continuous action. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s often used adjectivally to describe nouns, indicating a state of movement or progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Film

8%

Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "flowing" is a versatile term used to describe continuous movement or effortless progression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a present participle or adjective, commonly found in contexts like "News & Media", "Lifestyle", and "Sport". The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various writing styles. When using "flowing", ensure it aligns with contexts involving movement or continuity, avoiding its misapplication to static elements. Alternatives like "in motion" or "gliding" can offer nuanced expressions, and understanding its distinction from terms like "fluid" can enhance precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving smoothly

Highlights the ease and lack of interruption in the movement.

in motion

Emphasizes the state of movement rather than the manner of it.

streaming

Refers to a continuous current or outpouring.

gliding

Suggests a smooth and effortless type of movement.

in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of an activity or process.

coursing

Describes a rapid and unimpeded flow.

cascading

Implies a downward flow, like water over a waterfall.

rolling

Indicates a turning or rotating movement.

surging

Suggests a powerful and sudden increase in flow.

ebbing

Implies a receding or diminishing flow, opposite of "flowing".

FAQs

How can I use "flowing" in a sentence?

You can use "flowing" to describe something that moves continuously and smoothly, like "flowing water" or "flowing conversation".

What can I say instead of "flowing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "smooth", "continuous", or "fluid".

Is it correct to use "flowing" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "flowing" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts that progress smoothly and continuously, such as "flowing ideas".

What's the difference between "flowing" and "fluid"?

"Flowing" implies continuous movement, while "fluid" emphasizes adaptability and ease of change. Something can be "fluid design" without necessarily "flowing".