the waters are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the waters are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the state or condition of bodies of water, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "The waters are calm today, reflecting the clear blue sky above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The waters are beautiful".

The New York Times

The waters are dark and cloudy.

Independent

The waters are treasured by divers.

The New York Times

Despite this, the waters are warming.

The New York Times

The waters are green and deep.

Independent

The waters are still rising.

The New York Times

The waters are particularly treacherous in winter.

The Guardian

The waters are out in Lincolnshire.

The Guardian - Books

The waters are calm, safe and made for snorkelling.

The Guardian - Travel

Here people surf and snorkel when the waters are clear.

The Guardian

He added that Snap has "shown the waters are safe".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the waters are" to describe the state of a body of water literally (e.g., "The waters are calm") or metaphorically (e.g., "The waters are muddied by misinformation").

Common error

Avoid relying solely on metaphorical uses of "the waters are" in formal or scientific contexts. Ensure literal descriptions are clear and factual before introducing figurative language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the waters are" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence. It establishes a state or condition, which can be literal (describing physical attributes of water) or figurative (representing a complex or uncertain situation). Ludwig provides examples of both.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the waters are" is a versatile phrase commonly employed to depict the state of bodies of water, both literally and metaphorically. Analysis of various sources, as presented by Ludwig, reveals its frequent use across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Best practices advise using it to create vivid imagery or describe complex situations. Common errors include over-reliance on metaphorical usage in formal settings. Related phrases offer alternatives like "the seas are" or "the rivers are", allowing for nuanced expression. The expert rating reflects its grammatical soundness and consistent application across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the seas are

Replaces "waters" with "seas", offering a broader, more general term for large bodies of saltwater.

the rivers are

Substitutes "waters" with "rivers", specifying flowing freshwater systems instead of general water bodies.

the oceans are

Replaces "waters" with "oceans", focusing on vast, interconnected saltwater bodies.

the lakes are

Uses "lakes" instead of "waters", referring to large, enclosed bodies of freshwater.

the tides are

Shifts the focus to the tidal movements of water, rather than the water itself.

the currents are

Highlights the flow and movement of water, rather than its static state.

the conditions are

Abstracts the phrase to refer to general circumstances, applicable beyond just water.

the circumstances are

Abstracts even further to broadly represent prevailing factors or events.

the situation is

Presents an alternate description of a particular state or instance.

the surroundings are

Broadens the scope to include the environment, not just the state of water.

FAQs

How can I use "the waters are" in a sentence?

You can use "the waters are" to describe the physical state of water, such as "The waters are calm and clear today". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The waters are muddied by the controversy".

What are some alternatives to "the waters are"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the seas are", "the rivers are", or "the oceans are".

Is it correct to say "the water is" instead of "the waters are"?

Both phrases can be correct, depending on the context. "The water is" refers to water in general, or a specific amount of water. "The waters are" refers to a particular body of water or a more abstract or metaphorical concept.

When should I use "the waters are" in a metaphorical sense?

Use "the waters are" metaphorically to describe situations that are unclear, turbulent, or complex. For example, "The waters are muddied by conflicting reports" suggests a situation lacking clarity.