gutters

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gutters' is a correct and commonly used term in written English.
Gutters refer to a narrow channel or duct along the edge of a roof that collects and carries away rainwater. They are typically made of metal, plastic, or concrete, and are an important component of a building's drainage system. Example: The overflowing rainwater from the gutters caused damage to the walls and foundation of the house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But enough of my rant: I shall  leave the last word on the Leveson inquiry to Boris Johnson, the irrepressible mayor of London:If you want to keep the gutters of public life clean, you need a gutter press.

The Economist

They are being abducted and tortured; then their bullet-ridden, mutilated bodies are dumped in sacks and left in alleyways and gutters.

The Economist

It featured stuffed ballot boxes and repeat voting, ballot slips scattered in gutters, trashed polling stations and intimidation.

The Economist

The "great redeeming feature of poverty," George Orwell wrote after his excursions in the social gutters of Paris and London, is "the fact that it annihilates the future".

The Economist

Gutters collect smelly pigeon carcasses half-chewed by the peregrine falcons that nest there.

The Economist

But they still have to go home and clean out the gutters because they can't afford full-time household help.

The Economist

He became a neighbourhood handyman, and he cleaned Edwards's gutters and washed her windows two weeks before she was killed.

The Economist

The scenes filmed in Lagos, Nigeria's gritty commercial capital, capture architectural landmarks such as the city's National Theatre, but not the garbage-choked gutters and child beggars.

The Economist

These compounds are interspersed cheek-by-jowl with ramshackle townships, where improvised stalls abut open gutters.

The Economist

More intense rainfall events mean that gutters need to be sized differently.In the future there will be both too much water and too little.Yes.Yes

The Economist

And finally, in the streets and the gutters, on the necks of revellers and hanging from trees like Spanish moss on LSD, was the legacy of any parade in New Orleans: strings of brightly coloured plastic beads.The tradition of parade-watchers clamouring for, and marchers tossing, strands of beads dates back to the 1920s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Regularly inspect and clear your "gutters" of leaves and debris to prevent water damage to your property.

Common error

Don't ignore clogged "gutters". Overflowing water can damage your roof, siding, and foundation, leading to costly repairs.

Linguistic Context

The term "gutters" functions primarily as a noun, typically in its plural form, referring to channels along the edge of a roof designed to collect and carry away rainwater. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts, from home maintenance to architectural design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

15%

Independent

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

7%

The Economist

7%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gutters" is a common and grammatically correct noun referring to the channels used for roof drainage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. With a neutral formality, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and home maintenance contexts. To enhance clarity, consider using alternatives like "eaves troughs" or "roof drainage systems". Remember to maintain your "gutters" regularly to prevent costly damage to your property.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eaves troughs

This is a more technical or formal term for gutters, specifically referring to their location at the eaves.

roof water channels

Similar to rainwater channels, but emphasizes the channels being part of the roof structure.

rainwater channels

Highlights the function of channeling rainwater, emphasizing the water flow aspect.

drains along the roof

A simple and direct way to describe gutters, emphasizing their function as drains and their location.

roof drainage systems

Focuses on the function of removing water from the roof, broadening the scope to the entire system, not just the channels.

roof runoff collectors

Focuses on the collection of runoff water from the roof, highlighting the collection aspect.

water conduits on roofs

Describes the function as water carrying structures, providing a more descriptive and less common alternative.

roofline drainage

Emphasizes the drainage aspect and its integration with the roofline.

rainwater management systems

Focuses on the overall management of rainwater, encompassing a broader system than just the physical channels.

building drainage channels

Broader term including all the drainage channels in the building.

FAQs

How to use "gutters" in a sentence?

You can use "gutters" in sentences like: "The rain was overflowing the "gutters"," or "He cleaned the "gutters" on his house."

What are some common problems associated with "gutters"?

Common problems include clogged "gutters" due to leaves and debris, damaged or sagging "gutters", and "gutters" that are improperly sloped.

What are some alternatives to using the word "gutters"?

Alternatives include "eaves troughs", "roof drainage systems", or simply referring to them as "rainwater channels".

How often should I clean my "gutters"?

It is generally recommended to clean your "gutters" at least twice a year, typically in the spring and fall, to prevent clogs and ensure proper water flow.