sediment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sediment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to geology, environmental science, or any discussion involving the accumulation of particles in a liquid. Example: "The riverbed was covered in layers of sediment, revealing the history of the area's geological changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The WWF claimed the report proved that the dredging and dumping of seabed sediment near the reef should be banned.

The Guardian

The report, undertaken by consultants Sinclair Knight Merz, states that spoil from dredging travels a lot further than previously thought, with dumped sediment capable of being disturbed repeatedly by severe weather.

The Guardian

The risks include sediment being disturbed by severe weather.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Hunt said the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority had issued a clarification on the report Butler mentioned, tempering its conclusions by stressing that "modelling results should not be used to determine actual dredge material movement or be used to infer where sediment could be dispersed and deposited or its ecological significance".

The Guardian

"The proposal to dredge and dispose of up to 1.6m cubic metres of sediment per year for three separate campaigns between 2014 and 2020 has the potential to cause long-term, irreversible harm to areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, in particular seagrass meadows and nearby coral reefs," the summary says.

The Guardian

The first represents a sorting-through of the contents of the day, a settling of sediment that is of no great consequence.

The Guardian - Opinion

These diseases are commonly associated with warm water temperature or increased sediment due to runoff, conditions which "can flow past [the] arbitrary boundaries" of marine reserves.

The Guardian

This is sediment that, because it is laid down by rapid water movements, is not sorted by grain size.

The Economist

En route, as Marius wrote, it would have destroyed many lakeshore villages, "with humans and cattle and even churches".The crucial element in this explanation is the accumulation of sediment in the underwater delta.

The Economist

And, using sediment cores and an instrument called a pinger, which analyses the reflections of sound waves that can penetrate the material of the lake bed, Dr Kremer thinks she has found this tongue.Her discovery is a bed of what is known geologically as turbidite.

The Economist

Once enough sediment is there, it just needs a trigger to set it going.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impacts, specify the type of "sediment" (e.g., "silt", "clay", "organic matter") to provide a clearer picture of its effects on ecosystems.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "sediment" has the same impact; different types have varied effects on water quality, habitat, and infrastructure. Always specify the composition of the "sediment" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sediment" is as a noun, referring to particulate matter that settles at the bottom of a liquid. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing geological processes and environmental impacts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

63%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sediment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun, particularly in scientific and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It refers to particulate matter that settles at the bottom of a liquid. Usage varies from neutral to formal depending on the source, with high frequency in news and science domains. To ensure clarity, specifying the type of "sediment" is recommended. Avoid overgeneralizing its effects, as different types have varied environmental impacts. Related terms include "deposits" and "alluvium". Understanding its function and context is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deposits

Refers to material left behind by a natural process, similar to sediment but can include broader types of accumulation.

alluvium

Specifically denotes sediment deposited by a river or flowing water.

silt

A specific type of fine sediment, often carried by water.

detritus

Describes organic matter sedimenting or accumulating.

residue

The material remaining after a process, which can include sediment-like accumulation.

lees

Sediment formed during fermentation of wine, useful in different specific contexts.

dregs

The sediment or residue of a liquid, offering a more negative connotation.

accumulation

General term for a build-up of material, more abstract and not always a physical deposit.

precipitate

Substance separated from a solution, usually with chemical connotations.

grounds

Sediment from coffee or tea brewing, specific to those contexts.

FAQs

How to use "sediment" in a sentence?

You can use "sediment" to describe material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, such as "The river carries a lot of sediment". Another example could be "Layers of sediment reveal the geological history of the area".

What's the difference between "sediment" and "silt"?

"Sediment" is a general term for particulate matter that settles at the bottom of a liquid. "Silt" is a specific type of fine "sediment", with particle sizes between sand and clay.

What are the environmental concerns related to "sediment"?

Excess "sediment" can cloud water, reducing sunlight for aquatic plants. It can also smother habitats and carry pollutants. However, "sediment" is also necessary for building and maintaining certain ecosystems, such as deltas and salt marshes.

What can I say instead of "sediment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deposits", "alluvium" (for river deposits), or "residue".