reservoir

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reservoir" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an noun that is used to describe a place where large amounts of liquid, either natural or manmade, are stored. Example sentence: The town's reservoir was filled to capacity after the heavy rains.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its solar-powered pumps, tanks and filter banks are capable of filtering larger quantities of water stored in a 150,000-litre reservoir underneath the central courtyard, and pumped daily to provide drinking water on demand.

The Guardian

Running is the my least strong discipline, but my first lap seemed to pass by quite comfortably as we ran along the edge of the reservoir, even if we were buffeted by wind crossing the dam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Black Fell, looking down on Northumberland's beautiful Kielder Water reservoir, a group of people wait in a car park next to a strange wooden building with a minimalist design beamed down from the future.

The Guardian

Some researchers have suggested that the radiotherapy destroyed the HIV positive reservoir cells in Brown's body or the transplanted donor cells may have triggered a "graft versus host" reaction, identifying the HIV positive cells as foreign and eliminating them.

The Guardian

And, for visitors who like more recent history, there is the Lady Bower reservoir at the foot of Snake Pass where Guy Gibson and his "dambusters" practised dropping their "bouncing bomb".

The Guardian - Travel

There was barely a cloud in the sky as I swooped down by Ladybower reservoir and made my way over to Holmfirth, dodging the Last of the Summer Wine tours as I headed for Holme Moss, one of the most feared ascents in Yorkshire, which will feature on this summer's Tour de France.

The Guardian

The only thing guests may miss is the swimming pool, which has been repurposed as an insulated reservoir storing 80,000 litres of water heated by the hotel's solar panels.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr Ahmadinejad is tapping into a deep reservoir of religious fervour that has not run dry since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The Guardian

We chose an off-road trail around the Potworks Dam reservoir, passing farmland and a donkey sanctuary, and revelling in the chance to explore the interior of the island, away from the resorts.

The Guardian - Travel

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.13pm BSThe:13 The leaders round the corner to mark the westernmost point of today's stage, alongside Blackstone Edge reservoir.

The Guardian - Sport

Once the largest US water reservoir, Lake Mead has faded to fourth place as it has lost water.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "reservoir" interchangeably with general terms like "lake" or "pond". "Reservoir" implies a purpose-built or managed water source, which is crucial for accurate communication.

Common error

While "reservoir" can be used metaphorically to describe a large supply of something, be cautious when extending this usage. Overuse can dilute the impact and lead to unclear writing. Consider more precise alternatives for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The word "reservoir" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a natural or artificial place used to store water or other substances. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correctly used as a noun in example sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "reservoir" functions as a noun, commonly referring to a natural or artificial lake used for water storage. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. It finds common use in contexts such as news reporting, formal business communications, and scientific discussions. While it can be used metaphorically, this should be done with caution to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "storage basin" or "water supply source" for variety. A key point is that "reservoir" implies a purpose-built or managed water source, differentiating it from general terms like "lake".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

storage basin

Focuses on the function of the reservoir as a place for accumulating something.

water supply source

Emphasizes the role of the reservoir in providing water.

artificial lake

Highlights the man-made nature of some reservoirs.

holding tank

Similar to a reservoir but typically on a smaller scale.

accumulation point

Broader term that can apply to various types of reservoirs.

collection area

Describes the area where something is gathered, similar to a reservoir.

pool of resources

Metaphorical usage referring to a supply of something abstract.

strategic reserve

Suggests a supply kept for future use, often by a government or organization.

cache

A hidden store of goods or valuables.

stockpile

An accumulated stock of goods.

FAQs

How is a reservoir different from a lake?

While both are bodies of water, a reservoir is typically artificial, created by damming a river or stream for water storage, while a lake is a naturally formed body of water.

What are the main purposes of a reservoir?

Reservoirs primarily store water for drinking, irrigation, industrial use, and power generation. They can also help control floods and provide recreational opportunities.

Can "reservoir" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "reservoir" can describe a large supply of something non-physical, like a "reservoir of knowledge" or a "reservoir of talent". However, ensure the context is clear and the metaphor appropriate.

What are some environmental concerns related to reservoirs?

Reservoirs can alter river ecosystems, trap sediment, and lead to increased evaporation. Careful planning and management are crucial to minimize negative impacts.