rapids

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "rapids" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a fast moving section of a river or stream. For example, "The rafting guide warned us about the dangerous rapids ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

When the Rapids finally reclaimed the trophy last year, the victory ended six years of Claret-and-Cobalt control.

The Guardian - Sport

It could also be that Rapids are using ineptness as a clever way to save the team money.

The Guardian - Sport

But stepping stones can be slippery buggers - a careless stride, a bad choice of footwear or a shove from a mischievous co-traveller and you're in the rushing rapids either to sink without trace or to desperately grab for the nearest immoveable object.

The Guardian

I've also contended with quicksand, nearly drowning in rapids, being held at gunpoint, and been made to sing (terribly) for our local hosts.

The Guardian

Through 11 matches, there's little about Colorado that resembles the 2013 team, making it impossible to know whether RSL's replacements stepped up or the Rapids are still stepping down.

The Guardian - Sport

The Rapids eventually pulled a goal back late, but a confident 2-1 win reminded Colorado of RSL's Rocky Mountain primacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In Iowa, rescue crews were searching for 17-year-old Logan Blake, who was swept away in a Cedar Rapids storm drain Monday night.

The Guardian

At Sandy, Utah, Joao Plata scored his sixth goal of the season as Real Salt Lake remained undefeated with a 2-1 vinthey in the opening match of the Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry against the Colorado Rapids.

The Guardian - Sport

Politics is a contact sport, and contests won't be won by pulling punches and peddling pabulum to the masses.Mark Whitman Grand Rapids, Michigan* SIR – You urged the Republican Party to embrace its centre, tone down the anger, and turn away from those "nasty", "intolerant" right wingers.

The Economist

An event at an animal-feed factory on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids is slickly managed, with stirring music from the film "Air Force One" and mini-cupcakes and nutritional supplements (courtesy of the factory) for all.

The Economist

She has criss-crossed America, from scholarly Cambridge in Massachusetts to punchier places like Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Mobile, Alabama, to tell the American in the street her idea of foreign policy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "rapids", consider the specific type and intensity of the water flow you want to convey. Use descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture for the reader, such as "treacherous rapids" or "gentle rapids".

Common error

Avoid using "rapids" as a singular noun. Since it refers to a section of a river with multiple fast-flowing areas, it is almost always used in its plural form. For instance, prefer "navigating the rapids" over "navigating the rapid".

Linguistic Context

The noun "rapids" functions as a descriptive element, often modifying verbs related to movement or navigation. Ludwig provides several examples, highlighting its use in describing geographical features and recreational activities. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the word's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

21%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

46%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "rapids" accurately describes fast-flowing, turbulent sections of a river and is used correctly in a wide range of contexts. According to Ludwig, the word is suitable for written English. The analysis reveals that "rapids" is most commonly found in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", indicating its utility in providing descriptive information. Alternatives like "whitewater" or "torrent" can be used for nuanced descriptions. When using "rapids", remember its plural form and consider descriptive adjectives to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whitewater

Focuses specifically on the frothy, white appearance of fast-moving water.

torrent

Suggests a more violent and forceful rush of water.

fast-flowing water

A descriptive phrase emphasizing the speed of the water's movement.

swift currents

Emphasizes the quickness of the water's movement.

turbulent stream

Highlights the chaotic and agitated nature of the water flow.

rushing currents

Focuses on the powerful flow and movement of the water.

cascades

Refers to a series of small waterfalls or rapids.

churning waters

Emphasizes the swirling and agitated motion of the water.

tumultuous waters

Highlights the noisy and chaotic nature of the water.

rough waters

Indicates the agitated and potentially dangerous state of the water.

FAQs

How to use "rapids" in a sentence?

The word "rapids" is used to describe a fast-flowing and turbulent section of a river. For example, "The kayakers carefully navigated the dangerous "rapids"".

What can I say instead of "rapids"?

You can use alternatives like "whitewater", "torrent", or "fast-flowing water" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rapid" or "rapids"?

"Rapids" is the plural form and is generally used to describe a section of a river with multiple areas of fast-flowing water. "Rapid" is the singular form, referring to one isolated section of fast-moving water, but it's less common.

What's the difference between "rapids" and "waterfall"?

"Rapids" refer to a stretch of river where the water flows quickly and turbulently, without a significant drop. A "waterfall" is a place where water plunges vertically over a cliff or steep incline.