spraying water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spraying water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of dispersing water in a fine mist or stream, often for purposes like irrigation, cleaning, or cooling. Example: "The gardener was spraying water on the plants to keep them hydrated during the hot summer days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were welders cutting steel beams, not firefighters spraying water.

The New York Times

One amateur video appeared to be show Syrian government trucks spraying water on marchers.

The Guardian

The machinery they were using was spraying water all over the pit, turning everything to mud.

The New York Times

Suddenly, a big white Sanitation truck came along, spraying water from its undersides.

The New Yorker

Snow machines work by spraying water into air whose temperature is below freezing point.

The Economist

A car approached from the opposite direction, spraying water on both sides.

The New Yorker

Men would close around them from all sides, spraying water on their heads, their backs, everywhere.

The New York Times

Some of them were still spraying water on the rubble more than 10 hours later.

The New York Times

They set up their hoses and start spraying water on the blaze as quickly as possible.

The New York Times

Spraying water inside a cooling tower while air is blown through will have the same effect.

The Economist

In midafternoon, large street-cleaning vehicles rolled up and down, spraying water to disperse pedestrians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing firefighting or cleaning activities, use "spraying water" to clearly convey the action of applying water under pressure.

Common error

While "spraying water" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in overly formal contexts where more precise or technical terms might be preferred, such as "applying aqueous solution" or "hydraulic dispersion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spraying water" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. Ludwig examples show it describing actions in various contexts, from firefighting to cleaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spraying water" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of dispersing water. As shown by Ludwig, its contexts range from news reports and scientific articles to general descriptions. It holds a neutral register and Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "dispersing water" or "applying water" depending on the context. Overall, "spraying water" is a reliable and versatile phrase for describing this common action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dispersing water

Emphasizes the action of spreading water, similar to spraying.

applying water

Focuses on the act of putting water onto something, a broader term.

hosing down

Implies using a hose to spray water, more specific.

watering

Refers to providing water, often for plants or other things needing hydration.

jetting water

Suggests a more forceful spray or stream of water.

misting water

Describes spraying water in a fine mist, more delicate.

irrigating

Specifically refers to supplying water to land or crops.

dousing with water

Implies heavily soaking something with water.

showering with water

Describes water falling like a shower.

splashing water

Describes water hitting something with force and scattering.

FAQs

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

"Spraying water" is used to describe the action of dispersing water, often with a device like a hose or sprinkler. For example, "The firefighters were "spraying water" on the burning building."

What are some alternatives to "spraying water"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dispersing water", "applying water", or "hosing down".

Is it correct to say "spraying water" or should I use a different phrase?

"Spraying water" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its appropriateness depends on the specific context; in some cases, a more technical term might be preferable, but generally, it's perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "spraying water" and "watering plants"?

"Spraying water" is a general action of dispersing water. "Watering plants" specifically refers to the act of providing water to plants, often implying a nurturing or maintenance aspect.