pool

USAGE SUMMARY

'pool' is an acceptable word to use in written English.
You can use 'pool' as a noun to refer to a body of water, as a verb to refer to combining or collecting, or as a noun to refer to a group or collection. For example, "We gathered around the pool to cool off in the hot summer sunshine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ambulance staff have warned the protesters that their legs have got very cold which makes the blood supply pool in their feet, this could lead them to faint and fall off the ledge.

The Guardian

It's hard to resign – you give up a lot, not just a bit of power, money and the car pool.

The Guardian

Thousands gathered by the Capitol reflection pool in Washington on Saturday to march, chant, and listen to speakers and performers as part of Stop Watching Us, a gathering to protest "mass surveillance" under NSA programs first disclosed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Once popular for wedding receptions and baptism parties, the hotel's pool now holds only a few inches of stagnant rainwater, and a stream of exhausted international aid workers has replaced the celebrations.

The Guardian

While a way the hours in between lying by the pool, or treat yourself to a vigorous ayurvedic massage.

The Guardian - Travel

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

All the restaurants overlook the pool and private cove, and from there pretty walkways lead to the rooms, all of which look out on to the lagoon and the ocean beyond.

The Guardian - Travel

The wooden cottages have an almost alpine feel – with a bit of Caribbean gingerbread trim – and facilities include a laundry and a pool.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead of being organised solely on a geographic basis, the bank will now pool its expertise across sectors such as health, education and transport so that ideas could be shared across national borders.

The Guardian

There's a hammam and a large heated pool – something you won't find in the city-centre riads.

The Guardian - Travel

Lyndal Curtis, who announced she was leaving the ABC after 21 years as a widely admired political reporter, wasn't put in a dreaded redundancy "pool" and she certainly wasn't made forcibly redundant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pool" to describe a group of people or resources, ensure the context clearly indicates the shared nature or collective purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "pool" when referring to a very shallow, temporary collection of water; "puddle" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pool" is as a noun, referring to a body of water or a collection of resources. It can also function as a verb, meaning to combine resources. Ludwig confirms these usages are correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

25%

Business

12%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Sport

8%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig confirms that the word "pool" is versatile and commonly used in written English, functioning as both a noun and a verb. It can refer to bodies of water, collections of resources, or the act of combining things. Examples from Ludwig highlight its frequent use in news media, travel writing, and business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, ensuring clear context is key to avoid confusion with similar words like "puddle". Understanding the nuances of "pool" allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swimming bath

Refers specifically to a structure designed for swimming, emphasizing its function.

small lake

Highlights the natural aspect of a body of water, differing from artificial pools.

combine resources

Focuses on the action of merging resources, rather than the resource itself.

collective resource

Focuses on the shared nature of resources, moving away from physical spaces.

talent base

Highlights the available skills within a group, differing from resources.

merge funds

Emphasizes the action of consolidating financial resources.

shared fund

Emphasizes financial contributions and common ownership.

billiards game

Specifies a particular game played on a pool table, unlike the general term.

car sharing

Specifies a particular sharing arrangement for transportation.

dark trading venue

Refers specifically to alternative trading systems, differing from general financial pools.

FAQs

How can I use "pool" in a sentence?

You can use "pool" in various contexts. For example, "We swam in the community pool", "The company decided to pool their resources", or "There's a large talent pool in the city".

What are some synonyms for "pool" when referring to a body of water?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like "pond", "lake", or "reservoir" instead of "pool".

When should I use "pool" versus "puddle"?

"Pool" refers to a larger, often deeper collection of water, while "puddle" describes a small, shallow accumulation. Use "puddle" for something like rainwater on the sidewalk and "pool" for a swimming pool or natural water source.

What does it mean to "pool" resources or expertise?

To "pool" resources or expertise means to combine them for a shared purpose. You could also use "combine resources" or "share expertise" as alternatives.