thin and runny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin and runny" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the consistency or texture of a liquid or semi-liquid substance, such as a sauce or a soup. Example: "The soup was too thin and runny, lacking the rich texture I was hoping for."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food descriptions

Describing illnesses

General descriptions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The crème brûlée, however, was thin and runny.

The New York Times

When I tried enriching the potatoes with milk or cream, the filling turned thin and runny.

The New York Times - Food

The consistency can vary from thin and runny to thick like porridge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At this point the filling will seem impossibly thin and runny.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook honey and salt until thin and runny, then mix in almonds until coated.

The New York Times

As the egg ages, the gel-like structure collapses, resulting in thin and runny albumen.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To sneak genes into the lung cells, scientists at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital in Australia turned to a natural, detergent-like component of airways that makes mucus thinner and runnier.

Science Magazine

Put milk and stir again(if you want it more thick and runny).

WikiHow

Other dishes that we would order again included appetizers like a goblet of glossy warmed pulpo (octopus) and olives; baked rollatini, the mellow eggplant wrapper oozing ricotta and creamy spinach; a thin soft tortilla capturing duck, onions, peppers and runny mozzarella; and skewers of shrimp, beef and chicken alongside baby greens.

The New York Times

Infected person first experiences fever, cough and runny nose.

Stanford University

Remedies are also available for itchy eyes and runny noses.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "thin and runny" to accurately convey a less desirable texture, such as in sauces or soups. This implies a lack of richness or body.

Common error

Avoid using "thin and runny" in professional or formal writing where more precise or technical language is appropriate. Opt for terms like 'low viscosity' or 'dilute' depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin and runny" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe the consistency or texture of a liquid or semi-liquid substance. Examples in Ludwig showcase its usage in describing food textures, such as crème brûlée and sauces.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin and runny" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to describe the consistency of liquids or semi-liquids, often implying a lack of desired thickness. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, especially in news, media and Wiki entries. Related terms include "watery" and "liquidy". When writing, it's best used to accurately describe texture but should be avoided in formal settings where more technical terms are preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watery

Focuses on the high water content, implying a lack of substance.

liquidy

Emphasizes the liquid consistency, suggesting it's more liquid than expected.

runny

Simply highlights the fluid consistency, omitting the descriptive term "thin".

watered-down

Suggests that something has been diluted, making it weaker in consistency.

diluted

Highlights the reduction in concentration or thickness.

thin

Focuses solely on the lack of thickness, omitting any reference to its fluid nature.

weak

Emphasizes a lack of strength or intensity in flavor or consistency.

loose

Highlights the unconstrained or flowing nature, especially in terms of food texture.

light and flowing

Emphasizes the ease of movement and lack of density.

not viscous

Focuses on the lack of thickness. Viscosity means thickness, so this means not thick.

FAQs

How can I describe a sauce that is too liquid?

You can describe a sauce that is too liquid as "thin and runny", "watery", or "liquidy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "thin and runny"?

When something is described as "thin and runny", it means that it lacks thickness and flows easily. This term is commonly used to describe the consistency of liquids or semi-liquids, particularly in food contexts.

Are there any negative connotations to using the phrase "thin and runny"?

Yes, often the phrase "thin and runny" carries a negative connotation, especially when describing food. It suggests that the item is of poor quality or lacks the desired texture and richness.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "thin and runny"?

It's appropriate to use "thin and runny" in contexts where you want to describe a liquid or semi-liquid's consistency that lacks thickness. This can include food descriptions, medical descriptions (like nasal discharge), or general observations about the texture of substances.