riverbanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'riverbanks' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the banks of a river, i.e. the land bordering it. For example, "The riverbanks were dotted with lush vegetation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the flooded areas were on new developments along the riverbanks, atop mangrove forests that had once slowed the approach of seawater and could absorb excess water.

The Guardian

When Darci Ferrarin bought a large farm in Mato Grosso in 1998, he knew that its riverbanks had been illegally cleared.

The Economist

The previous rules were based on scientific assessments of what was needed to protect riverbanks from erosion and provide wildlife corridors, says Kenzo Jucá of WWF-Brasil.

The Economist

The code, originally approved in 1965, requires owners to keep native vegetation on parts of their land 80% in the Amazon, less elsewhere and in erosion-prone and biodiverse areas such as riverbanks and mangrove swamps.

The Economist

Riverbanks had been reclaimed and turned into slums.Paying for itDespite the desperate need, Morgan Stanley's sums show that India's annual spending on infrastructure as a share of GDP sank to a 33-year low in 2003 just 3.5%, or $21 billion.

The Economist

Some of these are on riverbanks: water companies must often ask the government to remove people illegally settled where they need to work.

The Economist

He thinks the DHS would do better to clear the city's riverbanks of corrizo cane, which offers effective cover to anyone in need of a hiding-spot.

The Economist

Scientists say that 64,000 people in Bangladesh are displaced each year by the erosion of riverbanks.

The Economist

Below the bridge, you can see cars with doors flung ajar being washed in the river, while their cushions dry in the sun on the stony riverbanks.

The Economist

From the Royal Docks out to the Essex coast, the riverbanks are lined with factories, warehouses and rubbish dumps.

The Economist

The poor built on their own without title, often in precarious spots on riverbanks or steep hills.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical features or environmental concerns, use "riverbanks" to clearly denote the land bordering a river. It is especially useful when discussing erosion, development, or ecological habitats.

Common error

Avoid using "riverbanks" metaphorically or in contexts unrelated to actual rivers. Using it to describe the edges of lakes or other bodies of water is technically incorrect; use more general terms like "shorelines" or "banks" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "riverbanks" primarily functions as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to the raised areas of land that border a river. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in describing geographical features and ecological contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

37%

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "riverbanks" refers to the land bordering a river and is grammatically correct for use in written English. Ludwig AI confirms this. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears primarily in encyclopedias and news media, indicating its relevance in both informational and current event contexts. When writing about geographical features or environmental issues, using "riverbanks" ensures clarity, especially when discussing erosion, development, or habitats. To avoid errors, it's best to reserve "riverbanks" for actual river contexts and use alternatives like "shorelines" for other bodies of water.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

banks of the river

A more descriptive way of referring to "riverbanks".

river edges

A simpler synonym for "riverbanks" focusing on the boundary.

river margins

Similar to "riverbanks" but can also refer to the edges of other bodies of water.

riverside areas

Emphasizes the broader area adjacent to a river, not just the immediate bank.

riverfront properties

Focuses on real estate located along the river.

embankments

Emphasizes the constructed or reinforced nature of the river's edge.

water's edge

Highlights the immediate boundary where the water meets the land.

streamside

Specifically refers to the side of a stream rather than a larger river.

riparian zones

A more technical term referring to the interface between land and a river or stream.

riverine habitats

Focuses on the ecological systems present along the river's edge.

FAQs

How can I use "riverbanks" in a sentence?

You can use "riverbanks" to describe the physical land bordering a river, as in, "The floodwaters overflowed the "riverbanks" and inundated the nearby town."

What are some synonyms for "riverbanks"?

Alternatives to "riverbanks" include "riverside", "banks of the river", or "riparian zone", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "riverbanks" when referring to a small stream?

While technically accurate, "riverbanks" is typically used for larger rivers. For smaller streams, consider using "streambanks" or "stream sides", which are more common and contextually appropriate.

What environmental concerns are often associated with "riverbanks"?

"Riverbanks" are often associated with issues like erosion, pollution, habitat destruction, and the impact of development. Proper management of "riparian zones" is crucial for maintaining river health.