Meaning & use
narrow passage of water
Last updated
Meanings
phrasecountable
A long, thin stretch of water that connects two larger bodies of water or runs between two pieces of land.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a narrow passage of water' or 'narrow passages of water'.
Patterns
- a narrow passage of water between something
- a narrow passage of water connecting something
The boat carefully navigated the narrow passage of water between the two rocky islands.
A narrow passage of water separates the mainland from the small peninsula.
The map showed a narrow passage of water leading into the lagoon.
phrasecountable
A small, confined channel of water, often used for navigation or as a route.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'through' to indicate movement.
Patterns
- through a narrow passage of water
- into a narrow passage of water
The ship squeezed through the narrow passage of water to reach the open sea.
Fishermen know this narrow passage of water well; it is the quickest route to the bay.
We kayaked into a narrow passage of water that wound through the mangrove trees.
Word forms
| plural | narrow passages of water |
|---|
Common combinations
- navigate a narrow passage of water
- Only experienced sailors can navigate a narrow passage of water like this one.
- a narrow passage of water between
- There is a narrow passage of water between the two countries.
- through a narrow passage of water
- The ferry goes through a narrow passage of water every morning.
- a narrow passage of water connecting
- This narrow passage of water connecting the lakes is vital for trade.
Synonyms and how they differ
- strait
- A strait is a specific geographical term for a narrow passage of water between two larger bodies, often used in names like the Strait of Gibraltar.
- channel
- A channel is a wider or more defined passage, often dredged or marked for ships; it can also refer to a natural waterway.
- sound
- A sound is a narrow passage of water, especially between a mainland and an island, and is common in place names.
Commonly confused: narrow passage of water or strait? narrow passage of water or canal?
narrow passage of water vs strait
A strait is a specific type of narrow passage of water, but the phrase 'narrow passage of water' is a general description. 'Strait' is usually part of a proper name.
narrow passage of water vs canal
A canal is a man-made waterway, while a narrow passage of water is usually natural.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase 'narrow passage of water' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase refers to a waterway, so it can be crowded with boats. The other options treat it as a drink or a written text, which is incorrect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “narrow passage of water”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.