standing water

USAGE SUMMARY

"standing water" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a large amount of water that is stagnant or not moving, such as pooled rainwater or a lake that has no current. For example: After the storm, the streets were flooded with standing water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remove standing water.

The New York Times

The smell of standing water.

The New Yorker

Standing water means mosquito larvae.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cemeteries would be drained of standing water.

The New York Times - Health

Don't ride through puddles or standing water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Check around your home for standing water.

Harvard University

Conventional rice production requires standing water.

Columbia University

"There was no grip and a lot of standing water.

Independent

Many amphibians are obligate breeders in standing water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Standing water made travel, and therefore damage assessment, difficult.

The New York Times

Large sections of roadways were covered in standing water.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential hazards, emphasize the specific risks associated with "standing water", such as mosquito breeding or electrical conductivity during floods.

Common error

Instead of generally stating "there was water", specify that it was "standing water" to convey the stagnation and potential issues associated with it. Be descriptive about the kind and size of "standing water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing water" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of water accumulation, emphasizing its stagnant nature. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes environments or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standing water" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe accumulated, non-flowing water. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While it has a neutral register, understanding its use is vital for clear communication, especially when highlighting potential risks like mosquito breeding or structural damage. Remember to be descriptive, specify that it was "standing water" to convey the stagnation and potential issues associated with it, and clarify the size and type. Consider using alternative phrases such as "pooled water" or "stagnant water" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pooled water

Refers to water that has accumulated in a specific area, similar to standing water.

stagnant water

Highlights the lack of movement in the water, emphasizing its potential for contamination.

accumulated water

Focuses on the process of water gathering in one place.

floodwater

Specifically refers to water resulting from a flooding event.

surface water

Broadly describes water located on the Earth's surface, which can include standing water.

standing liquid

Expands the concept to include any liquid, not just water, that is stagnant.

water accumulation

Highlights the process of water gathering in one place.

waterlogged area

Describes an area saturated with water, often due to poor drainage.

surface runoff

Refers to the flow of water over the land surface, which can contribute to standing water.

ponding

Technical term for a depression where water collects.

FAQs

What problems are associated with "standing water"?

"Standing water" can breed mosquitoes, potentially transmit diseases, damage infrastructure, and create safety hazards like electrical shock during floods.

How can I prevent "standing water" around my home?

Regularly clean gutters, remove debris from yards, ensure proper drainage, and empty containers that collect water. Consider installing a "drainage system" if the problem is persistent.

What's the difference between "standing water" and a "puddle"?

"Standing water" generally refers to a larger volume of stagnant water, while a "puddle" is typically a smaller, shallower accumulation. "Standing water" may also persist longer and pose greater health risks.

Is "standing water" always dangerous?

Not always, but it should be treated with caution. Depending on its location and source, "standing water" can be contaminated with pollutants or serve as a breeding ground for pests. Consider testing the water if there's a concern about contamination.