leftover water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leftover water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to water that remains after a process, such as cooking or cleaning, or water that is not consumed or used. Example: "After boiling the pasta, I poured the leftover water down the sink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Calera plans to desalinate the leftover water and sell it.

The New York Times

The leftover water, now cleansed, could be used for irrigation, as a coolant for engines and even, with more purification, for human consumption.

The New York Times - Science

If it happens with all three, there may be a bend in the drainage pipe from your bathroom and the leftover water in the piping ends up at that spot dripping within the pipe.

The Washington Post

"The leftover water from the bath, dishwashing or washing of clothes was used to either flush the toilet or water the garden".

Forbes

The leftover water exits the drivetrain through the tailpipe and is practically unnoticeable.

Los Angeles Times

Health workers also stated mosquitos possessing malaria and dengue fever were likely to breed in large areas of leftover water.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Leftover waters from the storm led to an increase in mosquitoes in Texas, which prompted a widespread application of larvicide via airplane.

Wikipedia

"When I had to do a television interview, I shaved using leftover tea water".

The New York Times

How can pig manure and the sludge leftover from water treatment plants turn into a reusable and environmentally friendly product?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Last year I was losing my shit over kale, this time I'm going to be boiling broccoli rabe (£1.99 for 300g, natoora.co.uk) in the leftover pork water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The winter menu includes milky white Hakurei turnips quartered in the kitchen, blistered over a wood fire, then salted and bathed in "tomato honey," a byproduct of Mr. Gjerde's tomato canning, in which leftover tomato water is sweetened with sugar and reduced to a heady syrup.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental sustainability, consider using "leftover water" to describe water that can be repurposed for irrigation or other non-potable uses.

Common error

Ensure context clarifies the source and quality of the "leftover water". Without specific information, it may be unclear whether it's safe for certain uses (e.g. watering plants).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leftover water" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to water remaining after a process. As Ludwig AI shows, this can include water from cooking, industrial processes, or natural events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

46%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leftover water" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the water remaining after a process or use. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news articles, wikis, and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to provide context about the source and quality of the "leftover water" to avoid ambiguity, especially when discussing potential reuse or safety concerns. Alternatives like "remaining water" or "residual water" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining water

This alternative focuses on the quantity of water that is still present after a process.

residual water

This term implies water remaining as a residue or byproduct, often after an industrial process.

excess water

This phrase highlights the surplus of water beyond what is needed or used.

unused water

This option focuses on water that was available but not utilized.

waste water

This refers to water that has been used and is no longer considered clean or suitable for its original purpose.

discarded water

This suggests water that has been deliberately thrown away or gotten rid of.

surplus water

Similar to excess water, but may imply a larger or more significant amount.

unconsumed water

Specifically emphasizes water that has not been drunk or ingested.

unapplied water

Highlights water that was not used for a particular purpose, such as irrigation.

secondary water

Refers to water that results as a byproduct or second source after the first source is exploited.

FAQs

How can I use "leftover water" in a sentence?

You can use "leftover water" to describe water remaining after a process, such as "The "leftover water" from cooking pasta can be used to water plants".

What's a less common synonym for "leftover water"?

A less common synonym is "residual water", which often refers to water remaining as a byproduct of industrial or chemical processes.

In what situations might "leftover water" be unsuitable for reuse?

"Leftover water" might be unsuitable for reuse if it contains harmful chemicals, pathogens, or excessive amounts of salts or minerals.

Is it always safe to use "leftover water" from cooking for watering plants?

Not always. Avoid using "leftover water" containing high amounts of salt, oil, or acidic substances like lemon juice, as these can harm plants. Water used to boil pasta or vegetables without salt is generally safe.