the cistern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cistern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a water storage tank or reservoir, often found in buildings or for agricultural purposes. Example: "The ancient city had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied water to the cistern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cistern, like.

The New Yorker

I closed the cistern.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Too far from the cistern.

The New York Times

Of the cistern, or a shelf.

The New Yorker

At home, Laura threw the doll in the cistern.

The New Yorker

Burying the cistern underground would add another cost.

The New York Times

The cistern was first used in 1950's.

The New York Times

The cistern rotates and departs at a slow canter.

The New York Times - Books

Drainpipes channel any precious rain into the cistern.

The Economist

The base of the cistern is seen here under construction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And you can see the cistern; on the outside of the precinct, you can see the cistern that fed water into this bath structure.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical or architectural contexts, use "the cistern" to add a touch of authenticity and specificity to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "the cistern" when you mean a septic tank. A cistern stores potable or rainwater, while a septic tank processes wastewater.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cistern" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing physical structures and water storage systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cistern" is a noun phrase referring to a water storage tank. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. While "the water tank" and "the reservoir" serve as suitable alternatives, the specific term "the cistern" often adds historical or architectural nuance. Avoid confusing "the cistern" with a septic tank. Use the phrase "the cistern" to enhance your writing when accuracy and a touch of historical context are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The water tank

Replaces "cistern" with a more common and straightforward term.

The water cistern

Reorders the words but maintains the meaning.

The reservoir

Similar to "cistern", but can refer to larger, natural or artificial lakes used for water storage.

The storage tank

Focuses on the function of storing water rather than the specific type of container.

The holding tank

Similar to "storage tank", focusing on the act of holding water.

The water container

A general term for any object holding water.

The toilet tank

Specifically refers to the part of a toilet that holds water for flushing.

The water storage facility

A more formal way to refer to a water storage system.

The rainwater collector

Emphasizes the "cistern's" role in collecting rainwater.

The underground reservoir

Highlights the underground location of the cistern.

FAQs

How can I use "the cistern" in a sentence?

You can use "the cistern" to refer to a tank for storing water. For example, "The ancient city had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied water to "the cistern"".

What's the difference between "the cistern" and "the reservoir"?

"The cistern" typically refers to a smaller, often man-made container for storing water, while "the reservoir" usually describes a larger, natural or artificial lake used for water storage.

What can I say instead of "the cistern"?

You can use alternatives like "the water tank", "the storage tank", or "the reservoir" depending on the context.

Is "cistern" the same as "cisterna"?

Yes, "cistern" and "cisterna" are essentially synonyms, with "cisterna" being the original Latin term.