moisture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'moisture' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain level of humidity in the air or to describe a liquid that has a damp or wet quality. For example, "The soil in my garden is dry so I need to add some moisture before planting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to Griffin, California's old blue oaks are as close to nature's rain gauges as we get The study compared today's drought conditions in California to those reconstructed over the past 1,200 years using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), an estimate of available soil moisture.

The Guardian

It's all about getting the moisture in the eyes to look right, getting the eyelids to flutter correctly when someone blinks, the corner of someone's lips to turn up a little just before they smile, because it's those subtle signal and movements that make a great performance by any actor.

The Guardian

Take that biochar and bury it in farm fields, and it acts like a giant carbon sponge holding in moisture and nutrients that boost crop yields.

The Guardian

Ravi Bopara pushed stiffly to second slip, Greg Smith was bowled poking forward at his first ball, and Ben Foakes unimpressed to be given out leg before for another golden duck as Groenewald, a 30-year-old South African who has settled in the Midlands, exploited inevitable spring moisture to show again what a shrewd signing he has been from Warwickshire.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't wash the roots, because the soil acts as a protective outer layer, helping to prevent moisture loss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finally, there is (3) the effect of global warming on soil moisture.

The Guardian

Blue oak tree ring widths are particularly sensitive to moisture changes.

The Guardian

Erdogan on a roll Four more years The moisture down below Trading places ReprintsSuch missteps aside, Europe's nervousness about the emergence of China has abated of late.

The Economist

The link is intuitively plausible: higher temperatures speed up evaporation, reduce soil moisture and lead to drought.

The Economist

It collects moisture from the early-morning fog that is produced when ocean breezes from the Atlantic collide with the hot desert air.

The Economist

You may choose a waterproof jacket, and check it really keeps the moisture out by stepping into a rain room.The choosing is no simple matter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of climate change, use "moisture" to refer to soil conditions and the availability of water for plant life. For example, "Changes in rainfall patterns affect soil moisture levels."

Common error

While both terms relate to water, "moisture" generally refers to the presence of water in a substance or material, whereas "humidity" specifically describes the amount of water vapor in the air. Be precise in your word choice.

Linguistic Context

The word "moisture" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a moderate degree of wetness or water content. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, from describing soil conditions to atmospheric phenomena. This noun is essential in scientific, environmental, and everyday discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Academic sources

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moisture" is a versatile and frequently used noun that describes the presence of water in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse registers, from news reports to scientific articles. While closely related to terms like "humidity" and "dampness", it's essential to use "moisture" precisely to avoid confusion. Remember that "moisture" is generally uncountable, and be mindful of the context when describing its absence. Leveraging best practices, such as using "moisture" to discuss soil conditions in climate change contexts, enhances clarity and effectiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dampness

Refers to a state of being slightly wet or damp.

humidity

Indicates the amount of water vapor in the air.

wetness

Describes the state of being wet.

damp

A general term for slight wetness.

water content

Refers to the amount of water present in a substance or material.

water vapor

Describes water in its gaseous form.

hydration

Implies the presence of water, often in a biological context.

condensation

The process by which water vapor becomes liquid.

perspiration

Refers to sweat produced by the body.

liquid

General term referring to fluid state of water or water-based substance.

FAQs

How is "moisture" used in describing weather conditions?

In weather contexts, "moisture" often refers to the water content in the air or soil. Meteorologists might discuss "moisture" levels to predict rainfall or drought conditions. Additionally, the term "humidity" is used to express the amount of water vapor in the air.

What's the difference between "moisture" and "dampness"?

"Moisture" is a general term for the presence of water, whereas "dampness" specifically refers to a state of being slightly wet or humid. "Moisture" can exist in various forms and amounts, while "dampness" implies a moderate level of wetness that is often undesirable.

How can I describe something that lacks "moisture"?

If something lacks "moisture", you can describe it as "dry", "arid", or "desiccated". The specific term depends on the context. For example, you might say "the soil is dry" or "the air is arid". Alternatively, "dehydrated" or "moisture-free" might be suitable.

Is "moisture" countable or uncountable?

"Moisture" is generally used as an uncountable noun, referring to water content in general. You would not say "a moisture" but rather "some moisture". To quantify it, you might say "a high level of moisture" or "the amount of moisture".