reservoirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reservoirs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to large natural or artificial lakes used for storing water, or metaphorically to describe a supply or source of something. Example: "The reservoirs in the region are crucial for providing water to the surrounding communities during the dry season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three years of drought, decades of overuse and now the oil industry's outsize demands on water for fracking are running down reservoirs and underground aquifers.

The Guardian

The hulking, purpose-built Jack/St Malo platform sits in ultra-deep waters of over 2,000m – displacing as much water as 350 jumbo jets would – drilling down to reservoirs 6,000 metres beneath the seabed (approximately 14 Empire State Buildings deep).

The Guardian

With water levels worryingly low in at least two of São Paulo's largest reservoirs, insecurity around water has become a fact of life for most paulistanos – as has a newfound interest in self-reliance and thrift: in stored water, rainwater collection and reduced usage.

The Guardian

The problem can be traced to shortages of rain and snowpack, which lead to shallower rivers and reservoirs, which result in less pressure to speed the water along.

The Guardian

I don't have the qualities, including the endless reservoirs of patience, that are required to do that.

The Guardian

The report also cites increasingly sophisticated techniques, which include dissolving the drug in solvents to smuggle it across the border disguised as flavoured drinks or hidden in windshield wiper reservoirs.

The Guardian

A Chicago area water authority released millions of gallons of storm runoff and sewage into Lake Michigan to relieve tunnels and reservoirs, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago said.

The Guardian

West Texas has a long history of recurring drought, but under climate change, the south-west has been experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, further drying out the soil and speeding the evaporation of water in lakes and reservoirs.

The Guardian

A sharp left hand bend was ahead as the road bisected two reservoirs - Woodhead to the left, Torside to the right.

The Guardian

Two thirds of water from the tap comes from surface water (reservoirs, lakes, rivers) and the rest from ground water (underground geological formations that store rainwater).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The countries have rubbed along, sometimes amicably, sometimes not, with downstream ones (notably Syria and Iraq) assuming there would always be enough water in the upstream reservoirs of Turkey for them all.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing water management or environmental issues, use the term "reservoirs" to specifically refer to artificial lakes used for water storage. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reservoirs" interchangeably with all types of water sources. While "reservoirs" are water sources, not all water sources are "reservoirs". Be specific about the type of water storage you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reservoirs" is as a plural noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to multiple artificial or natural lakes used for storing water. Ludwig shows it used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "reservoirs" is a commonly used plural noun that refers to artificial or natural lakes used for storing water. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily within News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. Given its frequent use and clear definition, employing "reservoirs" in writing is generally straightforward, provided the context aligns with water storage or containment. Be mindful of avoiding overgeneralization and ensure accurate usage in relation to other water sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

water storage facilities

Replaces "reservoirs" with a more descriptive term emphasizing the function of storing water.

artificial lakes

Focuses on the artificial nature of many "reservoirs", implying man-made bodies of water.

water impoundments

A more technical term for "reservoirs", highlighting the act of containing water.

storage basins

Emphasizes the basin-like shape and function of storing something, in this case, water.

water tanks

A simpler term for smaller "reservoirs" or containers of water.

water sources

Highlights the role of "reservoirs" as a source of water.

collection pools

Focuses on the aspect of collecting water in designated areas.

water supply systems

Describes the broader system that "reservoirs" are a part of.

natural aquifers

Refers to natural underground "reservoirs" of water.

catchment areas

Highlights the area from which water flows into "reservoirs".

FAQs

How are "reservoirs" typically used in sentences?

"Reservoirs" are commonly used to describe large natural or artificial lakes used for storing water. For example, "The city's water supply depends on the nearby "reservoirs"".

What are some synonyms for "reservoirs" in the context of water storage?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "water storage facilities", "artificial lakes", or "water impoundments".

Is there a difference between "reservoirs" and "lakes"?

Yes, while both are bodies of water, "reservoirs" are typically man-made and used for water storage, while "lakes" are naturally occurring bodies of water. Some natural lakes are also used as reservoirs.

When should I use "reservoirs" versus a more general term like "water sources"?

Use "reservoirs" when you want to specifically refer to artificial lakes used for storing water. If you are talking about any source of water, use the broader term "water sources".