narrow stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow stream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or thin body of flowing water, often in a natural setting. Example: "The hikers followed the narrow stream as it wound its way through the dense forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

A narrow stream of water slices through it.

The New York Times

"The church is a very narrow stream of clean water".

The New York Times

A narrow stream, Tibbetts Brook, winds down the center of the valley.

The New Yorker

Water was free of ice only in an occasional fast-flowing, dark, and narrow stream.

The New Yorker

The Galena River itself has filled with silt to become a narrow stream.

The New York Times - Travel

Digital data, however enhanced, is a narrow stream that feeds the mind.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Given the laminar nature of the flow, we consider an idealized narrow flow stream stretching from the inlet, across the expansion chamber, to the entrance of the main reactor.

Plosone

Narrow streams ran like tears down the mountain face, every so often spilling off a rock's edge: a waterfall.

The New York Times - Travel

Carrying four tracks, the bridge was built as a viaduct, its five tall arches channelling the wide river into five narrow streams, with thick walls of masonry in between.

The New Yorker

However, this method is suitable only for small and narrow streams (Weight and Sonderegger 2001; Shope et al. 2013).

Applied Water Science

Thus, in narrow streams the lowest point can also develop in a thick streambed under a shallow stream.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape or environment, use "narrow stream" to vividly depict a small, often tranquil, body of water flowing through the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow stream" metaphorically when describing information flow or opportunities. While occasionally acceptable, more precise terms like "limited channel" or "restricted scope" often provide better clarity in abstract contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow stream" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of geographical feature: a small, slender body of flowing water. Ludwig provides examples where it's used literally to depict landscapes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow stream" is a common noun phrase primarily used to describe a small, slender body of flowing water. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While its grammatical structure is straightforward, being mindful of overuse in metaphorical senses is advisable. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, suggesting its place in diverse writing contexts, from describing tranquil landscapes to explaining scientific concepts. Keep in mind that the best sources to get a good usage examples are The New York Times, The New Yorker, Encyclopedia Britannica, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small brook

Replaces 'stream' with a synonym suggesting a small, gentle flow of water.

shallow creek

Replaces 'stream' with 'creek', emphasizing the shallowness of the water.

confined waterway

Focuses on the restricted nature of the water passage.

limited flow

Shifts the focus from the physical entity to the characteristic of restricted movement.

trickle of water

Emphasizes the small amount of water involved.

thin rivulet

Uses 'rivulet' and 'thin' to denote a very small stream.

restricted channel

Highlights the narrow and confined nature of the watercourse.

small watercourse

A more generic term for a small path of water.

minor tributary

Describes the stream in relation to a larger body of water.

reduced current

Focuses on the reduced strength and size of the flow.

FAQs

How can I use "narrow stream" in a sentence?

You can use "narrow stream" to describe a small body of water. For example, "The hikers crossed a "narrow stream" on their way to the summit".

What are some synonyms for "narrow stream"?

Alternatives to "narrow stream" include "small brook", "shallow creek", or "trickle of water". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "narrow stream" to describe something other than water?

While "narrow stream" primarily refers to a small body of water, it can metaphorically describe a limited flow of something else, such as information or resources. However, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion.

What's the difference between "narrow stream" and "wide river"?

"Narrow stream" suggests a small, confined water body, while "wide river" indicates a large, expansive one. The terms differ significantly in scale and the imagery they evoke.