stretch of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stretch of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific area or expanse of water, such as a lake, river, or sea. Example: "The fishermen set out early in the morning to find the best spot along the stretch of water where the fish were known to gather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It has always been a dangerous stretch of water.

The New York Times

But, at the end of the day, we are approaching it as a 2k stretch of water, just like any other 2k stretch of water.

The Guardian - Sport

I can imagine yellow crime-scene tape all around that stretch of water.

The Guardian - Film

Couples drove into the stretch of water that appears to haunt the Americans.

The Guardian - Sport

Three Dubs tarn, a lonely stretch of water surrounded by trees, certainly had atmosphere.

The Guardian - Travel

electrofish — v. [trans.] fish (a stretch of water) using electrocution or a weak electric field.

The New Yorker

The stretch of water between Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, and Antarctica is many a mariner's graveyard.

The Guardian - Travel

A narrow stretch of water that snakes through empty marsh, Sebonac Creek ends at the mouth of Scallop Pond.

The New York Times

The hike brought us out beside a clear stretch of water, surrounded by giant trees and swooping birds.

The Guardian - Travel

The Shatt al Arab is a thin stretch of water that separates Iraq from Iran's southern border.

The New York Times

I was about the 280th woman in history to swim the 21 miles solo across the stretch of water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stretch of water" to vividly describe a continuous area of water, especially when emphasizing its length or extent in a specific landscape or setting. For instance, "The bridge spanned a wide stretch of water, connecting the two sides of the valley."

Common error

Avoid using "stretch of water" when describing small, contained areas of water like puddles or ponds. It's more suitable for larger, more expansive bodies such as rivers, seas, or lakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stretch of water" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly identifies a specific area of water. It is often used to provide descriptive detail regarding a landscape or geographical location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stretch of water" is a common and correct way to describe an expanse of water, often emphasizing its length or area. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and generally suitable for various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media and Travel writing. While alternatives like "body of water" or "expanse of water" exist, "stretch of water" is particularly useful for vividly depicting a continuous area of water in a specific setting. Remember to consider scale and context, reserving it for larger bodies of water rather than small ponds or puddles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

body of water

This alternative is more general and refers to any significant accumulation of water.

expanse of water

This alternative emphasizes the vastness or openness of the water area.

area of water

This alternative is a straightforward and neutral way to describe a water surface.

waterway

This refers to a navigable body of water, such as a river or canal.

water surface

This alternative focuses specifically on the top layer of the water.

section of water

This term describes a specific part or segment of a larger body of water.

tract of water

This alternative is a more formal term for an area of water.

ribbon of water

This suggests a long, narrow shape of the water area.

channel of water

This refers to a defined passage of water, often man-made or naturally formed.

water feature

This is a broader term that can include decorative or designed water elements.

FAQs

How can I use "stretch of water" in a sentence?

The phrase "stretch of water" is used to describe an expanse or area of water, often emphasizing its length. For example: "The Florida Straits is a dangerous, shark-infested "stretch of water".".

What are some alternatives to "stretch of water"?

You can use alternatives such as "body of water", "expanse of water", or "waterway" depending on the specific context.

Is "stretch of water" a formal or informal expression?

"Stretch of water" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

Can "stretch of water" refer to any type of water body?

Yes, "stretch of water" can refer to various water bodies, including rivers, seas, lakes, and straits. However, it typically implies a considerable length or area. For example, using it to describe a pond might be less appropriate than using it to describe the English Channel.