through the sand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through the sand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement or passage across a sandy surface, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The children ran through the sand, their laughter echoing along the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He began trailing his fingers idly through the sand.

The New York Times

I watched you scoop your shovel through the sand,.

The New Yorker

She runs her fingers through the sand lazily.

Independent

Because, goodness, that was a long walk through the sand.

The New Yorker

Their aim was to be able to see through the sand.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, he watches gulls gathering on the shore, picking through the sand for crabs.

The New Yorker

Others, like the California legless lizards (Anniella), literally "swim" through the sand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Drying takes place by a combination of evaporation and gravity drainage through the sand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wojcik's team takes medicine balls, crawls through the sand, practices flutter kicks in the surf.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he poured in live ants, inviting them to tunnel through the sand.

The New York Times - Arts

"He was so funny, crawling through the sand and then trying to eat fistfuls of it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through the sand" to vividly describe movement, sifting, or passage across a sandy terrain in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "through the sand" in overly abstract situations where more precise prepositions (e.g., 'across', 'over', 'within') would offer greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through the sand" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to describe the manner or location of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "through the sand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It typically describes movement or passage within a sandy environment and is found in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific literature. While versatile, it's important to ensure its use aligns with the intended nuance, considering more precise alternatives when necessary. Common uses include describing physical movement, sifting, or filtering processes, emphasizing interaction with the sand medium.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

across the sand

Focuses on the surface rather than penetration or passage within the substance.

over the sand

Emphasizes movement above the sand's surface, similar to 'across'.

amidst the sand

Highlights being surrounded or enclosed by sand.

within the sand

Suggests being contained or embedded inside the sandy substance.

navigating the sands

Emphasizes the act of finding a path or way through a sandy area.

traversing the sand

Suggests a journey or crossing a sandy terrain.

among the dunes

Refers specifically to being situated among sand dunes, a more topographical context.

sifting through the sand

Implies a careful search or examination within the sand.

penetrating the sand

Focuses on the action of entering or piercing through the sand's surface.

filtering through sand

Highlights a process where something passes through sand, often for purification.

FAQs

How can I use "through the sand" in a sentence?

Use "through the sand" to describe movement or passage across a sandy surface, such as "The children ran "through the sand"" or to describe a process like filtering or sifting.

What are some alternatives to "through the sand"?

Alternatives include phrases like "across the sand", "over the sand", or "amidst the sand" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "through the sand"?

While grammatically correct, using "through the sand" might be inappropriate in contexts where a more precise preposition would provide greater clarity, particularly in highly abstract or technical writing.

What does "through the sand" imply about the action?

"Through the sand" often implies a degree of effort or immersion, suggesting the subject is not merely on the surface but interacting with the sandy medium in some way.