rush of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rush of water" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden, forceful movement of water, often in contexts related to rivers, floods, or waterfalls. For example: "The rush of water from the melting snow filled the valley." Alternative expressions include "surge of water" and "flow of water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"You'll feel a cold rush of water down your back".

The New York Times - Travel

In the ensuing rush of water, several thousand people — mostly trappers — lost their homes.

The New Yorker

Or Mr. Towey describing the rush of water and wind pummeling his groaning door.

The New York Times

It had rained the previous night, so the rush of water was particularly heavy, and cold.

The New York Times

Come winter it is a frozen rush of water suspended in mid-air.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, they now think the rush of water through the passage shuffled around the ocean currents.

The New York Times - Science

A new drone began, along with the sound of a great rush of water.

The New York Times - Arts

In the morning, we woke to the cries of roosters and the rush of water.

The New York Times - Travel

The urgent, intense rush of water is strangely relieving and exciting.

The Guardian

The rush of water chewed away the paint on the wall up to above five feet, leaving a smudged surface.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These results are consistent with the idea that alterations to membrane function and integrity is a short-term response (impacted by the in-rush of water) and that the recovery of photosynthesis is a long-term response.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or scientific contexts, ensure that the term conveys the intended physical force; if the movement is steady and slow, consider using "flow of water" instead.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "rush of waters" in modern prose. While "waters" can be used poetically to refer to a specific body of sea or a territory, "rush of water" is the standard singular mass noun construction for describing a physical movement of the substance itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rush of water" functions as a noun phrase where "rush" acts as the head noun, modified by the prepositional phrase "of water". In the many examples provided by Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a dynamic physical action. It is highly effective for conveying kinetic energy and auditory qualities simultaneously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Fiction

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "rush of water" is a versatile and powerful English expression used to denote rapid liquid movement. Analysis by Ludwig confirms that it is an exceptionally common phrase in high-tier journalism and scientific writing. Whether describing the devastating impact of a hurricane or the soothing sound of a countryside stream, the phrase maintains a consistent grammatical structure that is universally recognized as correct. Writers should feel confident using it to add sensory depth and physical urgency to their prose, keeping in mind that alternatives like "surge of water" may be more appropriate for describing sudden increases in pressure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of water

Suggests a powerful and often sudden increase in volume or pressure

torrent of water

Implies a much more violent, heavy and fast-moving flow

flow of water

A more neutral and continuous description of movement

gush of water

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful emission from a specific source

flood of water

Used when the water is overflowing its normal boundaries

cascade of water

Specifically refers to water falling downward, like a waterfall

onrush of water

Focuses on the approach and momentum of the incoming liquid

burst of water

Describes a sudden, explosive release of liquid

stream of water

Indicates a narrower or more controlled path of movement

deluge of water

Evokes a massive, overwhelming amount of water, often associated with flooding

FAQs

How do I use "rush of water" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a sudden physical event, such as: "The hikers were startled by a sudden rush of water from the melting snowpack."

What is a more dramatic alternative to "rush of water"?

For a more intense or violent description, you can use "torrent of water" or "surging flood".

Is it better to say "rush of water" or "water rush"?

"rush of water" is the standard idiomatic expression. "Water rush" is rarely used except as a compound noun in specific technical or gaming contexts.

Can I use "rush of water" for a small amount of liquid?

It usually implies a significant volume or force. For smaller amounts, "trickle of water" or "splash of water" would be more accurate.