river basins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "river basins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the geographical areas drained by rivers and their tributaries, often in discussions about hydrology, ecology, or land management. Example: "The conservation efforts in the river basins are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and water quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The disputes center on two river basins.

The New York Times

It's not just coastlines, it's not just certain river basins.

The Guardian

In total, say the authors, over 450 large dams are planned for the three river basins.

The Guardian

The route cuts across many of the world's most soiled river basins.

The New York Times

Are they working with others to address water problems in important river basins?

The Guardian

It lies on the southern Malwa Plateau, the watershed of the Chambal and Narmada river basins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it didn't estimate the increased cost of flood management in river basins.

The Economist

The oblast consists of alternating broad river basins and morainic hills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ankaratra is a major watershed divide separating three main river basins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Major river basins showed 5 percent to 50 percent reductions in flow.

The New York Times

"Whole river basins are potentially at risk," she says.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the environmental impact of human activities, specify the affected "river basins" to provide a clear geographical context. For example, instead of saying "pollution affects water resources", say "pollution affects water resources in the Mississippi River basin".

Common error

Avoid using "river basins" and "watersheds" interchangeably without considering the context. While related, a watershed refers to the area draining into a specific point, whereas "river basins" encompasses the entire drainage area of a river system. Understand the nuances to ensure accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "river basins" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific geographical regions defined by their drainage patterns. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase serves to denote these areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "river basins" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote geographical areas drained by a river and its tributaries. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, highlights its frequent use in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from related terms like "watersheds" and "drainage basins", considering the specific context to ensure accurate communication. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is well-regarded and widely used in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drainage basins

A direct synonym, emphasizing the drainage aspect of the geographical area.

Watersheds

Refers to the area of land that drains into a specific body of water, similar to a river basin but often emphasizes the drainage divide.

Drainage areas

Focuses on the area drained by a river system, highlighting the hydrological aspect of the region.

Catchment areas

Similar to drainage areas, but often used in the context of water management and resource planning.

Catchments

A shorter, more concise term for catchment areas, commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.

Basins

A more general term that can refer to any depression in the land, but often implies a drainage area when used in a hydrological context.

River systems

Highlights the interconnected network of rivers and tributaries within a defined area.

River valleys

Focuses on the valley formed by the river, often emphasizing the geomorphological aspect.

Watercourses

Refers to the channel through which water flows, including rivers and streams within a basin.

Tributary systems

Emphasizes the network of smaller streams that feed into a main river within the basin.

FAQs

What is the definition of "river basins"?

"River basins" are geographical areas drained by a river and its tributaries, encompassing all land surfaces where runoff water converges to a single outlet or a series of outlets.

How are "river basins" important for environmental management?

Understanding "river basins" is crucial for managing water resources, controlling pollution, and preserving biodiversity. Effective management requires a holistic approach that considers the entire interconnected system.

What are some synonyms for "river basins"?

Alternatives include "watersheds", "drainage basins", and "catchment areas". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

How does climate change affect "river basins"?

Climate change can significantly alter hydrological conditions in "river basins", leading to changes in rainfall patterns, increased flooding, and reduced water availability. This necessitates adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impacts.