potable

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "potable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to water or other liquids that are safe to drink. Example: "The river water is not potable, so we need to find a clean source for drinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not all India's groundwater is potable anyway; in places, it is getting seriously polluted.

The Economist

Goma has no potable water, and little food or shelter.

The Economist

"Latter Day Saints" hoard potable water and canned goods in their cellars.

The Economist

He could be doused in water but it had to be potable.

The Economist

At the information centre at the southern tip of the island, next to the Marina Barrage, visitors can literally get a taste of it by picking up a bottle of "NEWater", waste water that after extensive treatment has become potable again.

The Economist

If it does then potable water, one of the necessities of life, may become easier for many people to obtain.

The Economist

Paradoxically, fermentation can also make food safer to consume: for centuries in Europe it was easier to find potable beer than water.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is no doubt part of Mr Brown's plan, which imposes restrictions on golf courses and cemeteries and requires the use of non-potable water on median dividers.

The Economist

The government says it needs to spend about $4.5 billion to bring domestic potable-water coverage up from its current level of 78% to the regional norm of over 90%.

The Economist

This will involve developing antimicrobials that clean with much less water, more-efficient systems for processing waste and new ways to use non-potable "grey" water, for example in factories.Investors bought this line to such an extent that the share price jumped on news of the Champion acquisition, even though the difficult process of integrating Nalco was unfinished.

The Economist

Treated sewage is already employed for 'non-potable' (undrinkable) uses such as irrigating golf courses, but has thus far not been used for drinking water due to major opposition from the public, who seem to fear the ouroboros 'ick' factor of it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about water sources, always specify if the water is "potable" to assure your audience it's safe for consumption. If not, clearly state that it's non-potable or unsafe.

Common error

Don't assume that because water looks clean, it's "potable". Always verify water safety, especially in unfamiliar environments. Water must be tested before being deemed "potable".

Linguistic Context

The word "potable" functions primarily as an adjective to describe a liquid, usually water, that is safe for drinking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote that the liquid meets certain standards for human consumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "potable" is an adjective used to describe water or other liquids that are safe for human consumption. It's commonly found in news reports and encyclopedias and carries a neutral to formal tone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is accurate and usable. While many synonyms exist, such as "safe to drink" and "drinkable", "potable" provides a precise and authoritative way to convey that a liquid is free from harmful contaminants and meets specific safety standards. It is important to specify if water is "potable" because not all water sources are safe. Water must be tested and verified before use to avoid health issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safe to drink

Emphasizes safety for consumption.

drinkable

A direct synonym focusing on the possibility of drinking without adverse effects.

fit for consumption

A more formal way of indicating suitability for drinking.

suitable for drinking

Highlights the appropriateness of the water for drinking purposes.

safe for human consumption

Explicitly states that the water is safe for people to drink.

uncontaminated

Focuses on the absence of pollutants or harmful substances.

purified

Implies a process of removing impurities to make it drinkable.

wholesome to drink

Emphasizes the health benefits or lack of harm from drinking the water.

treated water

Indicates that the water has undergone a process to make it safe.

drinking-quality

Indicates that the water meets the standards for drinking water.

FAQs

What does "potable" mean?

"Potable" refers to water or other liquids that are safe to drink.

What can I say instead of "potable"?

You can use alternatives like "safe to drink", "drinkable", or "fit for consumption".

What makes water "potable"?

Water is considered "potable" when it is free from harmful microorganisms and chemicals, making it safe for human consumption.

Is all purified water "potable"?

While purification aims to make water "potable", it's essential to verify that the purification process effectively removes all contaminants and meets safety standards.