running of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the flow or movement of water, often in a natural context or when discussing water systems. Example: "The running of water in the stream created a soothing sound that filled the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tongatt Hullets based on its operations in its sugar cane irrigation estate has significant skilled manpower and organizational set up for efficient running of water treatment works.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And now they're running out of water, running out of food," Mr. Groden said.

The New York Times

IS THE world running out of water?

The Economist

It is not that we are actually running out of water, because water never technically disappears.

The New Yorker

It is running out of water and oil, and 43 percent of its people are impoverished.

The New York Times

On the downside, a large part of Texas seems to be running out of water.

The New York Times

We are running out of water, the roads are gridlocked, and inflation outpaces wage growth.

The Economist

They noted that large swaths of central and western Asia and Africa are running out of water.

The New York Times

Three of their fire engines have been stolen, and they are running out of water.

The New York Times

There are few political freedoms and the country is running out of water and oil reserves.

The Guardian

Jordan, meanwhile, is running short of water, and food prices have shot up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "running of water", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to the act of water flowing or the management/operation of water systems. Clarity is key due to the phrase's potential ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "running of water" when a more specific term like "water flow", "water management", or "water drainage" would more precisely convey your intended meaning. Choose the term that leaves no room for ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running of water" functions as a gerund phrase, where "running" acts as a noun describing the activity of water in motion. This noun phrase can serve as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "running of water" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that describes the flow, movement, or operation of water. According to Ludwig, while usable, it is relatively uncommon. The phrase appears most frequently in news and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. For greater clarity, consider using more specific alternatives such as "water flow" or "water management". While authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, its limited frequency suggests careful consideration of context is important for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow of water

Reverses the structure of the original phrase, using "flow" as a noun.

water flow

Focuses on the movement of water, omitting the gerund form.

streaming water

Uses "streaming" as an adjective to describe moving water.

water management

Emphasizes the control and regulation of water resources.

water course

Refers to the channel or path that water follows.

water drainage

Highlights the process of water being drained away.

discharge of water

Formal term referring to the release or emission of water.

water runoff

Describes water flowing over the surface of the land.

water depletion

Focuses on the reduction or exhaustion of water supplies.

water circulation

Highlights the cyclical movement of water in a system.

FAQs

How can I use "running of water" in a sentence?

You can use "running of water" to describe the flow of water in a natural setting or the operation of water treatment facilities. For instance, "The sound of the running of water soothed my nerves", or "The efficient running of water treatment works is essential for public health".

What are some alternatives to "running of water"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "water flow", "water management", "water drainage", or "flow of water".

Is "running of water" formal or informal?

The phrase "running of water" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for business, news, and technical contexts. Using a more direct term like "water flow" can sometimes be more appropriate for informal communication.

When is it best to use "running of water" over other similar phrases?

Use "running of water" when you want to emphasize the continuous action or process related to water. If you're referring to a single instance or characteristic, "water flow" or "water course" might be more fitting. Consider "water management" if the focus is on oversight.