a big wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or significant wind, often in a weather-related context. Example: "The forecast predicts a big wind coming in from the west, so we should prepare for possible disruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A big wind picked up.

The New Yorker

"In the past, if you had a big wind shift before the start, then you had to change the course and re-anchor all the marks.

The New York Times - Sports

In case of a big wind storm, wind turbines need a way to change the orientation of their blades so they do not catch the wind and break.

The New York Times

"When it's that windy, the last thing you need is a big wind machine on top of you because it was swirling so much," Armstrong said.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, when they got the gold — remember, a big wind came along and blew it all away?") Perry folded the map.

The New Yorker

I was awakened in the night by the beating of the sides of my tent against my sleeping bag; a big wind had blown up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Afridi ends the over with a big wind-up hook for two to cow corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Romney can remind you of the dorky uncle at the Thanksgiving table — the one who excitedly delivers platitudes with a big wind-up, and then gets the platitude just ever-so-slightly wrong.

The New York Times

Here's my credit card, go and buy yourself some proper video equipment.' And I walked out of his office with his credit card in my hand just thinking, this is a joke, this is a big wind-up".

Independent

But I've never been a fan of TV drama with big-screen pretensions: whatever the context, characters doing nothing and staring into the middle distance are, for me, a big wind-up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

From seat 10A, on an American Airlines flight from Dallas, I'm looking out my porthole window as I type at a city below that might be Memphis — one wrapped around a big, winding river, at least.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, use "a big wind" to emphasize the intensity or impact of the wind. For example: "The storm brought a big wind that uprooted trees."

Common error

Avoid using "a big wind" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "high winds" or "gale-force winds" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a weather event or environmental condition. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal experiences to describing the impact on infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big wind" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe a strong or significant wind event. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "strong wind" or "gale-force wind" depending on the context to add variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong wind

Replaces 'big' with 'strong', emphasizing the intensity of the wind.

heavy wind

Substitutes 'big' with 'heavy', suggesting the weight or force of the wind.

gale force wind

Uses a specific term for a very strong wind, indicating high intensity.

powerful wind

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the wind.

forceful wind

Highlights the energy and momentum of the wind.

severe wind

Indicates the wind is intense and potentially damaging.

major wind

Replaces "big" with "major" emphasizing the size or importance of the wind.

intense wind

Focuses on the high degree of strength and activity of the wind.

fierce wind

Conveys a sense of the wind being aggressive or wild.

raging wind

Suggests the wind is uncontrolled and possibly destructive.

FAQs

What does "a big wind" mean?

The phrase "a big wind" refers to a wind of considerable strength or significance. It implies the wind is more than just a gentle breeze, and its impact can be substantial.

How can I use "a big wind" in a sentence?

You can use "a big wind" to describe weather events or situations where strong winds are present. For example, "A big wind came through and knocked over the fence."

Which is more appropriate, "a big wind" or "strong wind"?

Both "a big wind" and "strong wind" are acceptable. "Strong wind" is generally more formal, while "a big wind" can add emphasis to the size/scale of the event.

What are some alternative ways to say "a big wind"?

Alternatives include "heavy wind", "gale force wind", or "powerful wind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.