sprinkling water

USAGE SUMMARY

"sprinkling water" is a correct phrase in written English.
You could use it in many contexts, for example: Larry enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, undisturbed except for the sound of the fountain sprinkling water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Wet umbrellas sprinkling water on the floor, A loud interruption from a sleeping man's snore.

The New York Times

He turned north, south, east and west, sprinkling water from a leaf toward the sky.

The New York Times - Sports

At last, after sprinkling water and salt over all the available verdure, they announced that they had arranged for the snakes to stay away, and they departed.

The New Yorker

It is worn by the celebrant for rites of a non-eucharistic character, such as the Asperges, a rite of sprinkling water on the faithful preceding the mass.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Baptists, the act of baptism by sprinkling water on a baby's head is so far removed from the Biblical model as to be undeserving of the term.

The New Yorker

One is baptism by pouring or sprinkling water on the head rather than by immersion of the entire body, even though immersion was probably the biblical and early Christian rite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Garden sprinkling watering was replaced by inundation watering.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Sprinkle water over the surface.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A priest sprinkled water over the remains of victims as he delivered last rites.

The New York Times

By Monday morning, the air was clearer as masked residents sprinkled water and swept up the ash.

Independent

Once I sprinkled water on the hot bulb.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sprinkling water" to convey a sense of care or control over the application, for example, when moistening soil or cooling a surface.

Common error

Avoid using "sprinkling water" in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language might be required. Consider using terms like "applying a fine spray" or "controlled hydration" for increased specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sprinkling water" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase. It illustrates an action involving the gentle distribution of water. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from maintaining moisture in compost to cooling surfaces. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

29%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sprinkling water" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the action of gently distributing water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various contexts, including news, science, and general how-to guides. Its function is primarily descriptive, serving to illustrate a particular method of water application. While versatile, it's most suitable for neutral registers and may require more precise alternatives in highly formal or technical writing. Alternative phrasing might include "spraying water" or "misting water", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watering lightly

Highlights the gentleness and small amount of water used.

spraying water

Focuses on a more forceful or dispersed application of water compared to the gentle action of sprinkling.

drizzling water

Indicates a fine, gentle flow of water, similar to a light rain.

misting water

Implies a very fine spray of water, almost like a fog or light cloud.

scattering water

Highlights the act of dispersing water in a less controlled manner.

applying water

A more general term for putting water on something, lacking the nuance of sprinkling.

splashing water

Involves a more forceful and uncontrolled application of water, often creating droplets.

irrigating with a sprinkler

Specifically refers to using a sprinkler system for watering, usually in agriculture or gardening.

dousing with water

Emphasizes a more thorough wetting than sprinkling suggests.

showering with water

Conveys a sense of water falling like a shower, more intense than sprinkling.

FAQs

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

You can use "sprinkling water" to describe the action of gently distributing water, such as "He was "sprinkling water" on the plants" or "Sprinkling water helps keep the vegetables fresh".

What are some alternatives to "sprinkling water"?

Some alternatives include "spraying water", "misting water", or "lightly watering", depending on the specific context and the desired nuance.

Is "sprinkling water" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sprinkling water" is grammatically correct. It consists of a verb in its present participle form ("sprinkling") modifying a noun ("water"), creating a descriptive phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "sprinkling water" instead of "watering"?

"Sprinkling water" is more appropriate when emphasizing a gentle or light application of water, whereas "watering" is a more general term for providing water to something, often implying a more thorough soaking.