river's edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"river's edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the area at the edge of a river. For example, "We watched the moon rise from the river's edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She tells Chloe she's rented "River's Edge".

The New Yorker

Salmon are in the River Bollin and kingfishers are occasionally spotted by the river's edge.

Independent

Rivers and riverbank areas (<20 m from a river's edge) were not eligible for sampling site selection, for logistical reasons.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

"It's grounded and it's not too glossy for me," said Saulnier, also mentioning the '80s movie "River's Edge".

Los Angeles Times

At river's edge, the deer stand poised.

The New York Times

"They're terrified," he explained one day at the river's edge.

The New Yorker

He then lured Howe to the river's edge.

The New York Times

River's Edge (Tim Hunter, 1986) Bleak forerunner to Kids.

The Guardian - Film

Religious tokens, flowers and toys adorned the river's edge today.

The New York Times

And on the river's edge, it will not be blocked by future towers.

The New York Times

Much of central Kisangani, including the imposing cathedral at the river's edge, was destroyed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "river's edge" to vividly describe a location or setting in both creative and technical writing, where precision regarding proximity to the river is important.

Common error

Avoid using "riverside" when you specifically mean the exact boundary where the river meets the land. "Riverside" refers to a broader area near the river, while "river's edge" denotes the immediate border.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "river's edge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial of place or a subject/object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a location or setting. For example, "At river's edge, the deer stand poised."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "river's edge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the boundary where a river meets the land. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as an adverbial of place or a subject/object, often employed to specify location in descriptions across various contexts. It maintains a neutral register, frequently appearing in news and media, and its meaning is consistently understood. While alternatives like "riverbank" or "riverside" exist, "river's edge" provides a specific and vivid descriptor when exact proximity to the river is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riverbank

This term is a direct synonym referring to the land alongside a river.

riverside

This term describes the area near or along a river, similar to river's edge.

water's edge

This phrase is a more generic term applicable to any body of water, not just a river.

shoreline

This term usually refers to the edge of a sea or lake, but can be used for a wide river.

bank of the river

This phrase is more descriptive and less concise than "river's edge".

edge of the stream

Replaces "river" with "stream", implying a smaller body of water.

river margin

A more formal or scientific term for the river's boundary.

riverfront

This term often implies a developed area along the river.

riparian zone

This is a technical term referring to the ecosystem along a river.

waterfront

Refers to the edge of a body of water, often implying urban development.

FAQs

How is "river's edge" used in a sentence?

You can use "river's edge" to describe a location directly bordering a river, for example: "We sat at the "river's edge", watching the sunset".

What words are similar to "river's edge"?

Alternatives include "riverbank", "riverside", or "water's edge" depending on the specific context you are describing.

Is it correct to say "edge of the river" instead of "river's edge"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "river's edge" is more concise and commonly used. "Edge of the river" is a more descriptive alternative, but it lacks the immediacy of "river's edge".

What is the difference between "river's edge" and "riverfront"?

"River's edge" refers specifically to the boundary where the river meets the land. "Riverfront" typically suggests a developed area or property that faces the river.