spill water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spill water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to unintentionally spilling water, such as when pouring a drink from a pitcher or knocking over a cup. For example, "I accidentally spilled water all over the table while pouring a glass of juice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We spill water during the day," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

Test downspouts to make sure they spill water at least four feet away from the house.

The Washington Post

Even before the benzene spill, water quality in the Songhua was considered unsuitable for domestic consumption.

The New York Times

The bowl of the fountain began to shift and spill water in 1996, and in 1997 the pumps stopped.

The New York Times

Pittock said the need to spill water from Ross River Dam highlighted the limits of using dams for flood control.

The Guardian

McKillop said many coaches would already do whatever they could to extend timeouts a few extra seconds; he mentioned that some teams even had a coach spill water on the court intentionally, causing a delay.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Safety and Comfort While a certain amount of mess is unavoidable, you can keep it to a minimum by lining seats with towels or sheets and giving children no-spill water bottles with pull-up tops.

The New York Times - Travel

Spilling water on the front of a dress.

The New York Times

"She spilled gravy on her, she spilled water on her and then wine.

The New York Times - Style

A waiter approached and, in his eagerness to please, spilled water on the fastidious Barzani.

The New Yorker

After accidentally spilling water and feeding them after midnight chaos ensues.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accidental events, use "spill water" to emphasize the unintended nature of the action. For instance, "I didn't mean to "spill water" on your notes."

Common error

Avoid using "spill water" interchangeably with terms like "splash water" or "slosh water". "Spill" implies an accidental release, while "splash" suggests a more forceful, scattered ejection. "Slosh" refers to the movement within a container.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spill water" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of unintentionally causing water to flow out of a container or designated space. As Ludwig examples show, it's used to depict a variety of scenarios where water is inadvertently released.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spill water" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of unintentionally causing water to flow out of a container or area. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's primarily used in neutral contexts, often found in news, wiki, and science-related content. When using the phrase, be mindful of its specific meaning, differentiating it from related terms like "splash" or "slosh", which imply different actions or causes. Its frequent presence across various sources makes it a reliable and versatile phrase for describing accidental water-related events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slosh water

Emphasizes the movement of water in a container before it spills.

splash water

Implies a more forceful and scattered expulsion of water.

leak water

Suggests a slow, unintended release of water from a container or source.

drip water

Focuses on water falling in drops, a slower form of leakage.

overflow with water

Highlights the state of being full to the point where water spills out.

discharge water

Indicates a controlled or deliberate release of water, often in larger quantities.

lose water

Focuses on the loss of water, implying it's unintentional, possibly through spilling.

empty water

Describes the act of completely removing water from something, which may involve spilling.

release water

Suggests the action of letting water out, either intentionally or unintentionally.

scatter water

Implies that the water is spread across the surface, differently to spill water.

FAQs

What does it mean to "spill water"?

To "spill water" means to accidentally cause water to flow out of a container or area. It implies an unintentional release of liquid.

Is "spill water" grammatically correct?

Yes, "spill water" is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday language. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a usable phrase in written English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "spill water"?

It's appropriate to use "spill water" when describing an unintentional release of water. For intentional actions, use terms like "pour water" or "release water".

What can I say instead of "spill water"?

Depending on the context, you could use "slosh water", "splash water", or "leak water". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.