king tide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "king tide" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the highest predicted high tide of the year at a coastal location, often associated with astronomical events. Example: "The coastal community prepared for the king tide, anticipating potential flooding in low-lying areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Residents are already gearing up for the next king tide.

The New York Times

This time it was a freak "king tide", the highest since 1997.

Independent

Last month, when the wind was churned up by a passing hurricane, the king tide was much worse.

The New York Times

The forecast called for widespread king tide flooding, but West Fairview Street dodged the worst of it on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Indeed, a king tide has already washed away the house Katoatau built after his Glasgow triumph in 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

Children were no longer left to play unsupervised after a king tide washed away a young boy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

At the moment it is only affected by the king tides, but in the coming years it will get worse.

The Guardian

In Sydney damaging winds and king tides forced the cancellation of Vivid light installations across the city on Saturday.

The Guardian

In Sydney, forecast damaging winds and king tides forced the cancellation of Vivid light installations across the city.

The Guardian

During September's series of king tides, former Vice-President Al Gore spent a morning sloshing through the flooded streets of Miami Beach with Mayor Levine, a Democrat.

The New Yorker

There was talk of king tides and supermoons, enough to bring the curious to the shores of New York City on Saturday night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about coastal flooding, use the term "king tide" to accurately describe the highest predicted high tide of the year, which can provide a glimpse into the impacts of rising sea levels.

Common error

Avoid using the term "king tide" to describe any high tide. A "king tide" is a specific event—the highest predicted high tide of the year—and should be used accurately to convey its unique nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "king tide" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a specific type of high tide, often in the context of coastal flooding or climate change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "king tide" refers to the highest predicted high tide of the year, often associated with the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in news and media when discussing coastal flooding and climate change. While "spring tide" is a similar term, "king tide" specifically denotes the highest of these tides. When writing, use "king tide" to accurately describe these events and differentiate them from regular high tides. This term is neutral in register and suitable for both formal and informal discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spring tide

Refers to a tide with a large range that occurs at the new and full moon.

highest tide

A general term for the tide that reaches the greatest height during a tidal cycle.

extreme high tide

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the high tide event.

perigean spring tide

Specifies the alignment of the moon at perigee (closest point to Earth) during a spring tide, leading to even higher tides.

peak tide

Refers to the moment when the tide reaches its maximum height.

major tidal surge

Highlights the surge or sudden increase in water level during a high tide event.

coastal inundation

Focuses on the resulting flooding of coastal areas due to high tides.

storm tide

A tide that rises to a high level due to the combined effects of a storm and normal tidal action.

record high tide

Indicates that the tide reached an unprecedented height.

exceptional tide

Highlights the unusual and significant nature of the high tide event.

FAQs

What exactly is a "king tide"?

A "king tide" is the highest predicted high tide of the year at a specific coastal location. It occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned, increasing gravitational pull.

How often do "king tides" occur?

"King tides" typically occur a few times a year, often during the full and new moons in the summer and winter months, when the Earth is closest to the sun.

What are the impacts of "king tides"?

"King tides" can cause temporary flooding of low-lying coastal areas, providing a preview of the potential impacts of long-term sea level rise.

What can I say instead of "king tide"?

You can use alternatives like "spring tide", "highest tide", or "extreme high tide depending on the context".