stream of mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stream of mud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a flow or movement of mud, often in the context of natural disasters, construction sites, or environmental conditions. Example: "After the heavy rain, a stream of mud flowed down the hillside, causing damage to the nearby road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That information is sent back to the surface coded in vibrations traveling through the stream of mud powering the drill.

The New York Times - Science

Dramatic footage has captured the moment a giant stream of mud and rocks poured down the side of a mountain in China.

Independent

The pulser generates electrical power and restricts the mud flow to create pressure pulses with a valve in the stream of mud to be controlled open or close.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Public works crews were busy throughout the day as streams of soupy mud poured onto streets, clogging drains and leaving piles of dirt and debris.

Los Angeles Times

We immediately launched down the jungle trail at top speed, leaving a stream of dust and mud behind us.

BBC

At Putney the Thames is still actively tidal: at times a narrow stream lazily bisecting great beaches of mud, at others close to overflowing its scruffy and rather under-secured banks when a ferry or pleasure boat, on its way from Westminster up to Teddington or even Oxford, swept under the bridge and into the great bend embracing Craven Cottage (Fulham's football ground) on the opposite bank.

The Guardian - Books

It no longer rests over a stream but on a hill of mud.

Huffington Post

Note that mud deposits are wider than that of the stream width at that time, which implies a higher flux of mud flow in the early phase of the eruption (15:09 of June 29).

Earth, Planets and Space

It was night, there was no electricity, and a tropical rainstorm was turning the shantytown into a field of mud and streams.

The New York Times

Sure enough, I spot a six-inch path between two large rocks followed by a small fallen branch and then a trickle of mud toward the stream.

The New York Times - Travel

The blast "turned the surrounding sea to froth" and "forced geysers of mud and water from local streams and lakes 50 feet into the air".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing natural disasters or geological events, use "stream of mud" to vividly depict the movement and impact of mud flows. Ensure that your context provides descriptive details of volume, viscosity, and speed.

Common error

Avoid using "stream of mud" interchangeably with terms like "mudslide" or "mudflow" without considering the volume and flow characteristics. A "stream of mud" implies a continuous movement, whereas a "mudslide" suggests a sudden and often destructive event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stream of mud" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It vividly describes a flow or movement of mud. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stream of mud" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a flow of mud. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, although the phrase is not exceptionally frequent. It finds primary application in news, science, and academic contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "mudflow" or "river of mud", can be considered depending on the specific nuance desired. When using "stream of mud", ensure that the context accurately reflects the flow characteristics of the mud being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

river of mud

Changes "stream" to "river" to emphasize a larger quantity of mud.

mudflow

A single word replacement focusing on the flow of mud.

rush of mud

Emphasizes the speed and force of the mud's movement.

torrent of mud

Emphasizes the forceful and overwhelming nature of the mud.

surge of mud

Highlights a sudden and powerful movement of mud.

flow of sludge

Replaces "mud" with "sludge" indicating a thicker, less defined consistency.

deluge of mud

Expresses a large and overwhelming quantity of mud.

mudslide

Highlights the event of mud sliding down a slope.

cascade of mud

Emphasizes the downward movement of the mud.

outflow of mud

Focuses on the exiting or discharge of mud.

FAQs

How can I use "stream of mud" in a sentence?

You can use "stream of mud" to describe the flow of mud, often in a natural disaster context, such as "After the heavy rains, a "stream of mud" poured down the hillside, blocking the road".

What is the difference between ""stream of mud"" and "mudslide"?

A ""stream of mud"" implies a continuous movement of mud, while "mudslide" typically refers to a sudden and destructive event where a large amount of mud rapidly moves down a slope.

What can I say instead of ""stream of mud""?

Alternatives include "river of mud", "mudflow", or "torrent of mud", depending on the specific context and the intended emphasis.

Is ""stream of mud"" a formal way to describe a mud event?

The phrase ""stream of mud"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In technical or scientific writing, "mudflow" might be preferred for its precision, but ""stream of mud"" remains appropriate for general use.