thames

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “Thames” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is the name of a river that runs through Southern England and London. For example, you could use the sentence, “We spent the day touring along the banks of the Thames.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Wyre Forest in Worcestershire and the Thames Valley in Oxfordshire are new for 2013.

The Guardian - Travel

The Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich I can only compare to an immense moving street of ships, large and small, something suggestive to the Parisian mind of an aquatic Rue de Rivoli.

The Guardian - Books

Dozens of demonstrators made their way into the building on the north bank of the Thames in the run-up to event which was broadcast on Channel 4. Susan Philipsz won the £25,000 prize for her work Lowlands.

The Guardian

Indicating that the Thames Valley scene might not mean quite as much in Cali as it does back at home, the crowd is small but ardent, with a fair sprinkling of fans who loved the band the first time round.

The Guardian - Music

Other ideas included gassing the Heathrow Express and bombing a tube train under the Thames so that the river would flood the underground system.

The Guardian

His problem is not overfishing by foreign boats or pollution in the Thames estuary.

The Guardian

In a case in the Thames Valley police region, a woman who was not a suspect was in the street when a group of police with a dog walked past.

The Guardian

But it is seen as good news by the estate agency which has quoted it approvingly in a marketing brochure aimed at persuading developers to invest in a similar project, the proposed 291 luxury apartment scheme at Vauxhall Cross, on the south side of the Thames.

The Guardian

Cutting from the Chilterns in Oxfordshire across the Thames to the North Wessex Downs, the trail has existed for 5,000 years, and the sense of following the ancient tread of travellers, herdsmen and soldiers is quite surreal.

The Guardian - Travel

When Hallam's 3G phone was eventually examined by the CCRC and Thames Valley police – which carried out inquiries for the CCRC – it was found to contain pictures that put Hallam in a pub with his father on the evening of the killing and also showed that he had been with Harrington the day after – thereby giving credence to his original alibi.

The Guardian

Projects that will benefit include £80m for the Humber estuary, more than £17m for Tonbridge, Yalding and the surrounding communities, £196m for the Thames estuary programme, £73m for the Boston barrier, £42m for the Oxford western conveyance, and £47m for Rossall coastal defence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify "River Thames" for clarity when the context might not immediately indicate the London river.

Common error

Avoid confusing "Thames" with other rivers or locations; always ensure the context clearly indicates the River Thames in England.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Thames" is as a proper noun, specifically the name of a river. Ludwig examples frequently use "Thames" as the subject or object of a sentence, identifying a location or setting, as stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "Thames" primarily functions as a proper noun, denoting the well-known river that flows through Southern England and London. With a "Very common" frequency, as indicated by Ludwig, "Thames" is frequently found in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Travel, and Sports articles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, offering example sentences to illustrate its application. When aiming for utmost clarity, consider using "River Thames". Whether you're discussing historical events, planning a trip, or following sports news, incorporating "Thames" enriches your writing with geographical and cultural context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

River Thames

Explicitly specifies the river by its full name, enhancing clarity.

The Thames River

Reverses the name order but still clearly refers to the same river.

banks of the Thames

Focuses on the shoreline and vicinity of the river.

Thames estuary

Specifically refers to the tidal mouth of the river.

Isis

A historical name for the River Thames, especially used in Oxford.

London's river

Highlights the Thames' significance to London.

the waterway flowing through London

Describes the Thames by its geographical location and function.

the heart of London

Metaphorically refers to the Thames' central role in London's identity.

the great river of London

Emphasizes the size and importance of the river.

London's iconic river

Adds emphasis on the importance of "Thames" as London's symbol.

FAQs

How to use "Thames" in a sentence?

You can use "Thames" in a sentence like "The Oxford women's Boat Race crew were rescued from the "Thames" on Thursday after being overcome by rough water."

What can I say instead of "Thames"?

You can use alternatives like "River Thames", "London's River", or "Isis", depending on the context. The "River Thames" is especially useful when you need to be clear and specific.

Which is correct, "Thames" or "River Thames"?

Both are correct, but ""River Thames"" provides more clarity, especially when the reader may not immediately know which "Thames" you are referring to. "Thames" alone is usually sufficient in contexts where it's clear you mean the river in London.

What is the significance of the "Thames" in London?

The "Thames" has been central to London's history, culture, and economy for centuries, serving as a major transportation route, a source of water, and a defining feature of the city's landscape.