river system

USAGE SUMMARY

"river system" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a series of interconnected rivers and tributaries, typically within a larger watershed. For example: "The Amazon river system is the largest and longest in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Guadiana river system drains the region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tigris-Euphrates river system, great river system of southwestern Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Several people have died on this river system".

The Guardian - Travel

Consider the dendritic geometry of a river system.

The New Yorker

There is nothing in Europe remotely like this river system".

The Guardian

He finishes up with the picture of a river system.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Increased complexity was justifiable for modelling river-system hydrochemistry.

Journal of Hydrology

The principal rivers of the Indus River system are snow-fed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is part of the Congo River system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hydroelectric potential of Sikkim's Tista River system is considerable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several family groups have migrated into the nearby Magdalena River system.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental impacts, specify the "river system" by name to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the river system is polluted", specify "the Mississippi river system is polluted".

Common error

Avoid using "river system" too broadly; ensure it accurately reflects an interconnected network, not just a single river. Using "river system" to describe a single isolated river is a common error.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "river system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "river system" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe interconnected networks of rivers and tributaries. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's essential to specify the "river system" by name when appropriate to avoid ambiguity. Related terms like "drainage basin" or "fluvial system" offer alternative ways to convey similar concepts with slightly different emphases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

River network

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of the rivers.

Drainage basin

Focuses on the area drained by a river, rather than the river network itself.

River complex

Emphasizes the multiple components and interactions within the river.

Watercourse network

Highlights the interconnected nature of the streams and rivers.

Fluvial system

A more technical term for a river and its associated landforms.

Tributary system

Highlights the smaller streams feeding into the main river.

Channel system

Focuses on the physical pathways of water flow.

Watershed

Refers to the area of land that drains into a specific river or body of water.

Hydrographic system

Highlights the measurement and description of bodies of water.

Water distribution system

Highlights the system's role in distributing water resources.

FAQs

How to use "river system" in a sentence?

You can use "river system" to describe a network of interconnected rivers and tributaries, for example: "The Amazon "river system" is vital for South American biodiversity".

What's the difference between "river system" and "watershed"?

"River system" refers to the network of rivers and streams, while "watershed" refers to the area of land that drains into a particular river or body of water.

Which is correct: "river system" or "riverine system"?

Both "river system" and "riverine system" are correct, though "river system" is more commonly used. "Riverine system" often refers more specifically to the ecological components of a river.

What can I say instead of "river system"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "drainage basin", "river network", or "fluvial system".