watersheds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watersheds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to environmental science, geography, or metaphorically to indicate a critical turning point or division in a situation. Example: "The new policy represents a watershed in our approach to climate change, marking a significant shift in our priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

BY BUILDING dams in the Himalayas, Chinese engineers are tinkering with one of the world's great sets of watersheds.

The Economist

Altogether, such interventions would add up to about 54m tonnes of less reactive nitrogen, about 28% of what was created in 2005.Already cap-and-trade schemes are springing up in some American watersheds because of concern about the spread of dead zones.

The Economist

You correctly refer to the problem of "fuzzy" water rights but then refer to harvesting rain and developing watersheds as means of "extending water rights to people who have traditionally lacked them".

The Economist

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, at least 13m hectares of forest providing control of watersheds and a repository of potentially useful industrial and medicinal compounds in plants, animals and micro-organisms is lost to agriculture every year in developing countries.Intensive micro-organisms iseduces genetic diversity.

The Economist

Widespread deforestation of watersheds, for example, has increased the run-off of sediments and nutrients that impede coral growth by suffocating reefs or making them overgrown with algae.

The Economist

Some non-governmental organisations see the answer in mobilising local communities to harvest rain and develop watersheds.

The Economist

Environmentalists fear that wild areas will be ruined and wildlife habitat and watersheds damaged; sportsmen worry about access to the woods.

The Economist

Diversified ecosystems protect watersheds, local rainfall, food supply and soil.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Although the red arrival was meant to mark a watershed moment of diary-marking and tins stuffed with pads, my 28-day count soon fell by the wayside, as my periods became nothing more than an annual event.

The Guardian

"This was one of those moments when people from all sides of politics needed to realise that a watershed had been reached".

The Guardian

Alan Pardew: basking in a personal watershed moment after turning January's position – Newcastle 10th, Palace 18th – into Palace 11th, Newcastle 12th.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, use "watersheds" to describe significant turning points or dividing lines in events, decisions, or historical periods.

Common error

Avoid using "watersheds" interchangeably with broader terms like "ecosystems" or "regions." "Watersheds" specifically refer to areas drained by a river or water system, whereas other terms encompass wider ecological or geographical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The term "watersheds" primarily functions as a noun, often plural, referring to geographical areas drained by a river or water system. Ludwig indicates its correct usage. It can also function metaphorically to describe a significant turning point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "watersheds" is a grammatically sound term frequently used to describe geographical areas that drain into a common body of water. According to Ludwig it's correct and usable. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, it appears in diverse contexts, from environmental science to metaphorical descriptions of significant turning points. The term is versatile but should be used accurately to avoid confusion with broader ecological or geographical concepts. Related terms include "drainage basins" and "catchment areas". Its frequency is "very common", particularly in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, underscoring its importance in environmental discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drainage basins

Focuses on the geographical area drained by a river system.

river basins

Specifically refers to the area drained by a river and its tributaries.

catchment areas

Emphasizes the area from which water is collected.

drainage areas

Highlights the total surface area contributing to a drainage system.

water partings

Describes the high ground dividing one watershed from another.

drainage divides

Refers to the elevated boundaries separating watersheds.

catchments

A shorter, more general term for areas collecting water.

river systems

Focuses on the interconnected network of rivers within a region.

hydrologic units

Refers to specific geographical region that has been designated for management of the water.

basins

A broader term referring to any depression that collects water.

FAQs

How is "watersheds" used in environmental science?

In environmental science, "watersheds" refers to the geographic area that drains into a specific body of water, like a river or lake. Understanding watersheds is crucial for managing water quality and preventing pollution.

What are some synonyms for "watersheds"?

Synonyms for "watersheds" include "drainage basins", "river basins", and "catchment areas", each emphasizing different aspects of the water collection and drainage process.

Can "watersheds" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "watersheds" can metaphorically describe a significant turning point or event that marks a major shift, similar to how a geographical watershed divides drainage areas. The term "turning point" can be a good substitute for the term "landmark".

What factors affect the health of "watersheds"?

The health of "watersheds" can be affected by deforestation, pollution from agriculture and industry, urban development, and climate change, all of which can impact water quality and ecosystem stability.