trickle of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trickle of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, gentle flow of water, often in a natural setting or when discussing water movement. Example: "After the rain, there was a soothing trickle of water flowing down the rocks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The trickle of water.

The New York Times - Magazine

There was only a trickle of water, and it was pretty rancid.

The New York Times

Just a trickle of water passed beneath our feet, where millions of gallons once flowed.

The New York Times - Arts

A tiny trickle of water ran into the gutter and down the street.

The New York Times

There, a trickle of water continuously flows over smooth black river rocks.

The New York Times

We had held hands and listened to the trickle of water.

The New York Times

A single toddler stomps through a trickle of water in the gutter.

The New York Times

A trickle of water emerged from the rocks some 20 feet above and then slid into the sapphire pool below.

The New York Times - Travel

The business is adjacent to the Kil Brook -- usually a small trickle of water that feeds into the Hudson.

The New York Times

At Audubon Playground in Washington Heights, only a tiny trickle of water emerged from the spray shower.

The New York Times

Take them off and there's no music, just the murmur of conversation and the trickle of water features.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trickle of water" to describe a very small, often continuous flow, particularly in nature or when depicting scarcity. It can also metaphorically represent a gradual or limited amount of something abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "trickle of water" when describing a substantial or powerful water flow. Opt for terms like "stream", "river", or "torrent" in such cases to accurately depict the volume and force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trickle of water" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a small or thin flow of water. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples show it describing literal water flows and metaphorical flows of information or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trickle of water" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes a small, gentle flow of water, literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase offers a neutral tone and is useful for depicting minimal quantities or gradual movements. Remember to use it accurately, avoiding confusion with larger flows, and consider the many synonyms available for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tiny stream of water

A synonym that amplifies the smallness of the flow, making it more striking.

small stream of water

Replaces "trickle" with "small stream", emphasizing a slightly larger but still modest flow.

minor flow of water

Highlights the less significant presence and impact of the water.

thin flow of water

Emphasizes the narrowness and reduced volume of the water's movement.

slight flow of water

Highlights the minimal quantity and gentle movement of the water.

gentle flow of water

Highlights not only the volume but also the gentle nature of the water.

drip of water

Focuses on the individual drops, highlighting the slow and intermittent nature of the flow.

mere trace of water

Indicates that the amount of water present is minimal, almost negligible.

restricted flow of water

Signifies that the water's movement is limited or obstructed in some way.

slow leak of water

Implies that the water is escaping gradually from a source.

FAQs

How can I use "trickle of water" in a sentence?

You can use "trickle of water" to describe a small, gentle flow, such as, "A "trickle of water" ran down the mossy rocks" or metaphorically, like, "A "trickle of information" leaked out before the official announcement".

What are some alternatives to "trickle of water"?

Alternatives include "small stream of water", "drip of water", or "thin flow of water depending" on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "trickle of water" instead of "stream of water"?

"Trickle of water" is suitable when describing a very small, almost insignificant flow. Use "stream of water" when the flow is more substantial and continuous. It is a matter of scale and impact.

Can "trickle of water" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "trickle of water" can be used metaphorically to describe a small or gradual amount of something, like a "trickle of support" or a "trickle of information". This usage extends its literal meaning to abstract concepts.