swimming

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "swimming" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the activity of swimming in water, either as a hobby or as a sport. Example sentence: I have been swimming three times a week for the past few months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Figures including the Yekaterinburg mayor, Yevgeny Roizman, have criticised the punishment given to the Novorossiysk women and Facebook users have expressed their support for the women by posting photographs of locals swimming, sunbathing and drinking alcohol on the beach next to the monument.

The Guardian

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

When I wasn't worrying about how to stop the water breaching my bodily barriers, I was fretting about catching pond life in the miniature drag net that is a swimming costume on an ample bosom.

The Guardian - Travel

The Islamic republic's state news agency, Irna, quoted Mohammad-Ali Sabour, the head of Iran's national triathlon federation, saying that Gerami had secured an official blessing and was nominated after the International Triathlon Union (ITU) agreed to set up a tent where she could change into her cycling and running clothes after swimming.

The Guardian

Further along the coast, past St David's, the weather has turned glitteringly sunny but it isn't quite hot enough for swimming.

The Guardian - Travel

The only training he had had in resuscitation techniques was in his school days during swimming lessons, Pearson told the inquest.

The Guardian

Courtney Barnett: Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit Barnett can turn the most seemingly mundane topics – house-hunting, insomnia or swimming in a public pool – into scuzzy, indie-pop demonstrations of lyrical prowess.

The Guardian - Music

The six-day trek goes deep into the park, passing waterfalls – plenty of swimming opportunities – and spectacular rock formations with homestay accommodation.

The Guardian - Travel

Marie is a writer and she is used to spending a lot of time on her own, but I always work with people and when I do that I have to spend time with them – a lot of time walking, swimming, eating, talking, living with them.

The Guardian - Film

Born with cerebral palsy, Freney has demonstrated exceptional courage and spirit, and has also become involved in the broader community, working as a motivation speaker for Swimming Australia.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In October, design practice Y/N studio caused a stir by designing a blueprint for a swimming lane along Regent's canal in London, so that people could swim to work.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive events, use "swimming" to clearly denote the sport. For recreational contexts, consider alternatives like "going for a swim" to add variety.

Common error

Avoid using "swimming" when the context implies danger or a struggle to stay afloat. For example, instead of saying "He was swimming in debt", consider "He was drowning in debt" to better convey the severity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swimming" is a gerund, acting as a noun. It can also function as a present participle when used with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "is swimming"). As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used both as a noun and a verb in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swimming" is a versatile term primarily used as a gerund or present participle, denoting the act of propelling oneself through water. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, context dictates usage, with alternatives available to refine meaning. Remember to consider if literal vs metaphorical use is best for your message. Avoiding confusion is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going for a swim

Highlights the intention or act of participating in a swimming session.

open water swimming

Specifies swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes or oceans, rather than pools.

aquatic activity

Emphasizes the general engagement in water-based actions, rather than the specific act of propelling oneself through water.

taking a dip

Focuses on a brief, casual swim for recreation or refreshment.

doing laps

Focuses on the repetitive swimming of lengths in a pool for exercise.

water sports

Encompasses a broader range of activities performed in or on water, including swimming, surfing, and boating.

synchronized swimming

Refers to a specific discipline of swimming involving choreographed routines.

paddling

Implies a gentler, less vigorous form of moving through water, often with the hands.

bathing

Denotes immersing oneself in water, often for cleaning or relaxation, but not necessarily involving active propulsion.

poolside lounging

Shifts the focus from active swimming to relaxing near a swimming area.

FAQs

How can I use "swimming" in a sentence?

"Swimming" can be used as a noun (The swimming was great today) or a verb (I enjoy swimming in the ocean).

What are some alternatives to the word "swimming"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "aquatic activity", "water sports", or "taking a dip".

Is it correct to say "I like swimming"?

Yes, "I like swimming" is grammatically correct. "Swimming" functions as a gerund, which is a verb acting as a noun.

What's the difference between "swimming" and "swim"?

"Swim" is a verb, while "swimming" is a gerund or present participle. You "swim" (verb), but you enjoy "swimming" (gerund) or are "swimming" (present participle) now.