running water

USAGE SUMMARY

"running water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to running water, for example: "The sound of running water is soothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Running water?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We have running water.

The New York Times

No running water.

The New York Times - Travel

Below, there is running water.

The New York Times

There is no running water.

The New York Times

Drain under cold running water.

The New York Times - Food

Few have running water.

The Guardian

DONALD MACLEOD Running water.

The Guardian - Opinion

Telecommunications, power and running water failed.

The Economist

Nobody had running water to bathe.

The New York Times

They lived without electricity or running water.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a lack of modern amenities, use "running water" to clearly indicate the absence of indoor plumbing and readily available water sources.

Common error

Avoid using "running water" when you actually mean still or stagnant water. "Running water" implies a continuous flow, while still water is stationary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running water" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the availability or absence of a continuous water supply. Ludwig AI's examples show its use in discussing basic amenities and infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "running water" is a common noun phrase denoting water supplied through plumbing or found in natural flowing sources. It is grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in news, media, and wiki contexts, its primary function is to describe or inform about access to a continuous water supply. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by not confusing it with still water, and always assess potability. The related phrases offer alternative ways to convey the same concept, depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tap water supply

Focuses on the supply aspect and the source being a tap.

plumbed water

Highlights the infrastructure that delivers the water.

flowing water

Emphasizes the action of water in motion, applicable to natural sources too.

available water

Highlights the aspect of immediate usability of water.

potable water

Indicates the water is safe for drinking

domestic water supply

More specific term, refers to water supplied for household use.

fresh water access

Broader term referring to having access to fresh, clean water.

water on tap

Emphasizes the ease of accessibility to water

water under pressure

Highlights the pressured water supply.

the sound of a stream

Highlights the sound of the water movement in stream environment.

FAQs

How is "running water" typically used in a sentence?

"Running water" is used to describe water that is supplied through plumbing and available from a tap, or in natural environments like rivers or streams. For example, "The house has "running water" and electricity."

What's a less literal way to describe access to "running water"?

Instead of "running water", you might say "indoor plumbing" or "modern water supply" to emphasize the convenience and infrastructure involved.

In what contexts is it important to specify the availability of "running water"?

It is important to specify when discussing living conditions, natural disasters, or infrastructure development, as the presence or absence of "running water" greatly impacts hygiene, sanitation, and overall quality of life.

Is "running water" always safe to drink?

No, "running water" is not always safe to drink. While it implies a water supply, it doesn't guarantee potability. Always ensure the water is treated or tested if you're unsure about its safety. You can use alternatives like "potable water" to refer specifically to water that's safe to drink.