spray water

USAGE SUMMARY

"spray water" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to a gardener spraying a garden with water, or spraying water onto something else. For example: "The gardener sprayed water onto the plants to help them grow healthier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mobile irrigation systems spray water onto fields, like gushing showerheads.

The New York Times

Another Taiwanese boat was seen trying to spray water back.

The New York Times

There are an electric lift and a fish-cleaning station with spray water.

The New York Times

Some photographers spray water over the plate for that just-out-of-the-oven glisten.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mineral water spray: Water sprays, like the brumisateur sold by Evian, can be particularly refreshing.

The New York Times

Spray water on the windows to help the bubble wrap stick.

Independent

Four giant humidifiers are placed at the foot of the Eiffel Tower to spray water vapour on passersby.

The Guardian

His early sketches show a grove of gently curving poles, with amber acrylic beads on top that would spray water.

The New York Times

One said: "If I started to fall asleep a guard would come and spray water in my face".

The Guardian

After a blast, workers spray water to settle the dust and liquid concrete to reinforce and waterproof the walls.

The New York Times

(The authorities later said that using helicopters to put spray water on reactor No. 4 might not be feasible).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "spray water" to clearly indicate the action of applying water in a dispersed manner, rather than pouring or soaking.

Common error

Avoid using "spray water" when the intent is to completely saturate an object or area. Phrases like "douse with water" or "soak in water" are more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spray water" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of dispersing water. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse scenarios, from irrigation to cooling and cleaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

29%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spray water" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of dispersing water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use and finds frequent application in news, media and practical contexts such as in WikiHow articles. The phrase serves various purposes, from irrigation to cleaning, and holds a generally neutral register making it suitable for diverse writing styles. To enhance clarity, consider using synonyms like "squirt water" or "mist water" depending on the specific context you're aiming to convey. Be mindful not to confuse it with terms implying saturation, like "douse with water" when such intensity is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squirt water

Implies a more forceful and direct application of water than "spray water".

mist water

Suggests a finer dispersion of water, creating a mist-like effect, unlike the broader application of "spray water".

jet water

Describes a concentrated stream of water, differing from the diffused nature of "spray water".

sprinkle water

Indicates a gentle and scattered distribution of water, less forceful than "spray water".

douse with water

Describes saturating something with water, implying a larger quantity than "spray water".

water down

Describes diluting a substance with water, a different meaning from the direct application implied by "spray water".

shower with water

Suggests a continuous flow of water, unlike the potentially intermittent action of "spray water".

hosing down

Involves using a hose to apply water, often for cleaning purposes, whereas "spray water" is more general.

water jetting

Refers to a high-pressure water stream, differing from the broader application of "spray water".

disperse water

Focuses on the action of spreading water, while "spray water" emphasizes the method of application.

FAQs

How can I use "spray water" in a sentence?

You can use "spray water" to describe the action of applying water in a dispersed manner. For example, "The gardener used a hose to spray water on the plants."

What is another way to say "spray water"?

Alternatives to "spray water" include "squirt water", "mist water", or "sprinkle water", depending on the context.

When should I use "spray water" instead of "pour water"?

"Spray water" is appropriate when you are dispersing water from a nozzle or similar device. "Pour water" is used when water is dispensed directly from a container.

Is there a difference between "spray water" and "splash water"?

"Spray water" refers to directing a stream of water through a device, while "splash water" implies a more random and uncontrolled application of water.