stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stream' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to refer to a flow of liquid, air, or gas, as in: "The stream of water cascaded over the rocks in the river." You can also use the word to refer to any continuous flow of a thing, as in: "A stream of cars drove past our house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once popular for wedding receptions and baptism parties, the hotel's pool now holds only a few inches of stagnant rainwater, and a stream of exhausted international aid workers has replaced the celebrations.

The Guardian

New technology has enabled a host of cutting-edge distribution methods to flourish and the argument goes that before long we will all eschew the local multiplex or arthouse in favour of curling up on the sofa with an iPad or congregating in front of a TV to stream new releases.

The Guardian - Film

Some will take a cash lump sum that better meets their needs than a level income stream, and some will reinvest in a pension drawdown fund and withdraw money later.

The Guardian - Money

It is coping with the stream of people who seize their chance to trot out the one theatrical phrase that everybody on the planet knows.

The Guardian

Since then, his versatility and the unforced elegance of his manner – he is notably good in abstract work by the American choreographer George Balanchine – have ensured a steady stream of demanding roles.

The Guardian

A stream of shocking images and Twitter hashtags, including #HitlerWasRight, amount, Arfi said, almost to indoctrination.

The Guardian

When I mentioned to my young son that there was no word for the shining hump of water that rises above a submerged boulder in a stream, he suggested currentbum.

The Guardian - Books

He was alleged to be sending to ministers a stream of letters, dubbed the black spider memos because of his scrawly handwriting, but the public were not allowed to read them, or even know how many he was writing.

The Guardian

Related: Alton Towers: four rollercoaster crash victims in hospital Paul Paxton, a partner at Stewarts Law, said the international spa management student and her family were grateful for the stream of good wishes they have received.

The Guardian

The official told the Associated Press the suspects used a "chat stream" to communicate and were apparently obsessed with death and had many photos of mass killings.

The Guardian

We're listening via the semi-conventional means of the telly in the office, but it looks as though a lot of people are having trouble with the internet stream.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation when selecting "stream" versus alternatives. "Stream" often implies a continuous, steady flow, while words like "torrent" suggest a more forceful or overwhelming movement.

Common error

While "stream" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal contexts. Vary your vocabulary by using more precise terms such as "flow", "succession", or "current" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The word "stream" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a small river or a continuous flow of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stream" is a grammatically correct and versatile term that describes a continuous flow, whether it's a small river, a succession of events, or the transmission of data. Ludwig AI validates its usability. As demonstrated by numerous examples from sources like The Guardian, the term is most frequently used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While "stream" is widely applicable, varying your vocabulary with more precise terms like "flow" or "current" can enhance your writing. The key is to ensure the context is clear, particularly when referring to digital media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow

Focuses on the continuous movement or progression, similar to a stream's flow.

current

Implies a continuous movement or flow, often used in the context of water or electricity.

river

Refers to a larger natural flow of water, similar to the "stream" definition.

brook

Indicates a small natural "stream" of fresh water.

succession

Highlights the continuous sequence or series of something, akin to a "stream" of events.

series

Emphasizes a number of things of a similar kind, following one after the other

influx

Refers to an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things

torrent

Expresses a strong and fast-moving "stream" of liquid or other things.

rush

Indicates a rapid flow or movement, conveying a sense of urgency or speed.

outpouring

Implies a copious "stream" or flow of something, often used figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "stream" in a sentence?

You can use "stream" to describe a small river (e.g., "The house is next to a quiet stream"), a continuous flow of something (e.g., "A stream of visitors entered the museum"), or the transmission of data (e.g., "I watched the live stream of the concert").

What words can I use instead of "stream"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "flow", "current", "brook", "river", or "succession".

Is it correct to say a "stream of consciousness"?

Yes, "stream of consciousness" is a valid literary technique that describes a narrative style presenting thoughts and feelings as they occur.

What is the difference between a "stream" and a "river"?

A "stream" is generally smaller than a "river". A river is a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river, while a "stream" is a small, narrow river.