water breaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "water breaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of childbirth to refer to the rupture of the amniotic sac, signaling that labor may begin. Example: "When her water broke, she knew it was time to head to the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

Childbirth

Medical Scenarios

Descriptive Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Or a pregnant woman's water breaking.

The New York Times

"That's the sound of water breaking the sound barrier," Fuller said, looking pleased.

The New Yorker

When the bubbles collapse, they oxygenate and disinfect the water, breaking down any fish waste that is present.

The New York Times

I pulled my arms down by my sides, then brought them around and out of the water, breaking the surface with a butterfly stroke.

The New Yorker

In natural photosynthesis, photons from the sun, aided by chemicals in leaves, strip electrons from water, breaking it into oxygen molecules and hydrogen nuclei.

The New Yorker

The technique uses high-resolution video from underwater cameras to track the motion of turbulent billows and flows in the water, breaking down the movement pixel by pixel.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Water break".

The New York Times - Sports

Water breaks all the rules.

The Guardian

At 5am, her water broke.

The Guardian

Her water broke, she said.

The New York Times

"She had no time to change when her water broke".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about childbirth, use "water breaking" to clearly and concisely indicate the rupture of the amniotic sac and the potential start of labor. It's a widely understood term.

Common error

Avoid using "water breaking" in contexts unrelated to childbirth. For instance, don't use it to describe a pipe bursting or a dam overflowing. Use more specific language relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "water breaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence when discussing the onset of labor in pregnancy. Ludwig examples show it used to describe a specific event in the birthing process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

The New Yorker

9%

The New York Times - Magazine

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "water breaking" commonly refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac during pregnancy, signaling the potential start of labor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood. While it primarily appears in contexts related to childbirth and medical scenarios, its usage extends to descriptive writing, albeit less frequently. Alternative phrases like "rupture of membranes" offer more formal or medical-specific options. The phrase's frequency is categorized as common, indicating widespread usage across various sources like news outlets and personal blogs. Therefore, use it accurately to refer strictly to the rupture of the amniotic sac during pregnancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rupture of membranes

Formal, medical term for water breaking.

amniotic sac rupture

Another formal term, focusing on the sac itself.

breaking of waters

Slightly more archaic phrasing, equivalent meaning.

bag of waters breaking

More descriptive version of the standard term

amniotic fluid release

Focuses on what is released, rather than the event.

water breaking spontaneously

Emphasizes the natural occurrence of the event.

prelabor rupture of membranes

More specific, medically focused.

labor starting

Describes the consequence of water breaking, rather than the event.

onset of labor

Formal version of labor starting.

membrane rupture

Broader term referring to any membrane rupture

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says their "water breaking"?

In the context of pregnancy, "water breaking" refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac, a fluid-filled membrane surrounding the baby, indicating that labor might begin soon.

What should I do if my "water breaking"?

Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Note the time, color, and amount of fluid released. Even if you're not having contractions, it's crucial to seek medical advice to prevent infection or other complications.

Is it always obvious when someone's "water breaking"?

Not always. Sometimes it's a gush of fluid, while other times it's a slow trickle. If you suspect your "amniotic sac rupture", consult your doctor.

What are some other ways to say "water breaking"?

Alternatives include "rupture of membranes" or the less formal "breaking of waters". These phrases all describe the same event during pregnancy.