the watercourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the watercourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a natural or artificial channel through which water flows, such as a river, stream, or creek. Example: "The construction of the dam altered the flow of the watercourse, affecting the surrounding ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The two roadways and the promenade remain, but the watercourse and fountains have disappeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A wall of sapele, a type of Nigerian mahogany, hangs above the watercourse.

The New York Times

Al-Mukallā is the chief town and seaport; of the numerous smaller towns, many are near the watercourse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The várzeas fan out again as the watercourse approaches the Atlantic, but no delta extends into the ocean.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The estate was first allowed to cull the gulls in the 1970s on the grounds that droppings were polluting the watercourse.

The Guardian

In THE WATERCOURSE (Knopf, $23), her third poetry collection, Zarin deploys a rigorously simple vocabulary in the service of varied forms -- an eclogue here; a round there; even a psalm.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The land then was bare rock without plants, except for some algae and tiny mosses along the watercourses.

The New Yorker

Trees line the watercourses and shelter the farmlands, but mostly the view of rolling grasslands and crops stretches to the far horizon.

The New York Times

Also in delicious color was a five-foot-long reproduction of Egbert Viele's map of the watercourses of Manhattan, $600.

The New York Times

The study also details threats to the watercourses and coastlines of the city, including disposal of industrial waste and fishing equipment, plastic littering, oil spills and open defecation.

The New York Times

Houses vanished, trees were uprooted like weeds, boulders taller than I pounded through the watercourses like the bowling balls of titans, and the slurry of mud and ash rose as high as fifteen feet in some places.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical features or environmental impacts, use "the watercourse" to refer to any channel through which water flows. This term is suitable for both natural streams and artificial canals.

Common error

Avoid using "the watercourse" when a more specific term like "river", "stream", or "canal" would provide a clearer description. Using a more precise term enhances the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the watercourse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it referring to both natural and artificial channels of water. It identifies a specific path or channel through which water flows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the watercourse" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe any channel through which water flows, both natural and artificial. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in science, news media, and encyclopedic contexts. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, it's essential to choose more specific terms like "river" or "stream" for clarity when appropriate. Keep in mind that "the watercourse" is often used in geographical, environmental, and engineering descriptions to identify a physical water-related feature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the stream

Refers to a small, natural flow of fresh water, differing from "the watercourse" in scale and naturalness.

the river

Denotes a larger natural water flow, differing from "the watercourse" primarily in size and established natural status.

the waterway

Emphasizes the navigability aspect, contrasting with "the watercourse" that focuses on the channel itself.

the water channel

Similar to "the channel", but explicitly includes "water", making it closer in meaning to "the watercourse".

the drainage channel

Highlights the function of draining water, unlike "the watercourse" which is a more general term.

the creek

Indicates a small stream, similar to "the stream", differing from "the watercourse" by size.

the channel

Focuses on the physical path of water flow, a more general term than "the watercourse".

the natural stream

Specifically refers to naturally formed watercourses, distinguishing it from artificial channels.

the course of the river

Emphasizes the path a river takes, whereas "the watercourse" is a broader term for any water channel.

the flow of water

Describes the movement of water rather than the channel itself, differing in focus from "the watercourse".

FAQs

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

You can use "the watercourse" to refer to any channel through which water flows. For example, "The bridge was built over the watercourse to allow for safe passage".

What is a good alternative to "the watercourse"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "the watercourse" include "the stream", "the river", or "the channel".

Is it correct to use "watercourse" without the article "the"?

While "watercourse" can be used without "the", using "the watercourse" is more common when referring to a specific, identifiable channel. Using "watercourse" without "the" often refers to the general concept.

What is the difference between "the watercourse" and "the waterway"?

"The watercourse" refers to any channel through which water flows, while "the waterway" specifically implies a navigable body of water. Therefore, all waterways are watercourses, but not all watercourses are waterways.