a blast of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blast of wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and strong gust of wind, often in a descriptive context. Example: "As we stood on the cliff, a blast of wind nearly knocked us off our feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A blast of wind blowing through space, icy clean.

The New Yorker

A blast of wind rattled the panes till we thought they would burst.

The New Yorker

Slammed by a blast of wind one morning in 1940, it danced so hard it collapsed.

The New York Times

One of the world's most beautiful capitals pours over you in a blast of wind.

The New York Times - Travel

Suddenly, a single bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, and a blast of wind smacked the ship.

The New York Times

A blast of wind in a pub had blown some roasted onions stabbed with pins out of the chimney.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Weather forecasters have warned of snow on the way for parts of the UK as a blast of Arctic wind sweeps across the country.

Independent

Married couples ought to be buried in the same grave, or one of them will come looking for the other, "and when there's one of them passing on the air you might get a blast of holy wind you wouldn't be the better of for a long time".

The Guardian - Books

The table is in a fantastic, high-traffic spot, but every time the sliding door opens, a blast of cold wind whips past us.

Huffington Post

With the warm weather and cool Caribbean breeze, I never have to run for cover from a blast of cold wind or snow.

Huffington Post

(When she thinks about offering beauty cream to Jack! Holy Christ!) The last lines were like a blast of freezing wind across the beach; just perfect.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a blast of wind" to vividly describe a sudden, impactful gust, especially when emphasizing its force or unexpectedness. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing to create a sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "a blast of wind" in highly formal or scientific writing where a more neutral term like "strong wind" or "gust" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound overly dramatic or informal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blast of wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence to describe a sudden and forceful gust of wind. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in various contexts, from literal weather events to metaphorical disruptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blast of wind" is a common noun phrase used to describe a sudden and forceful gust of wind. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While effective for vivid descriptions, it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings. Related phrases include ""a gust of wind"" and ""a strong wind"", offering alternatives with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase is a valuable tool for writers seeking to create a sense of immediacy and impact in their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gust of wind

Focuses on the suddenness of the wind.

a strong wind

Emphasizes the strength of the wind.

a sudden gust

Highlights the abrupt nature of the wind.

a rush of air

Describes the movement of air more generally.

a gale

Implies a very strong and sustained wind.

a whirlwind

Indicates a rotating and potentially destructive wind.

a fierce wind

Underscores the intensity of the wind.

a powerful gust

Combines the strength and suddenness aspects.

a sweeping wind

Suggests the wind covers a wide area.

an unexpected wind

Highlights the surprise element.

FAQs

How can I use "a blast of wind" in a sentence?

You can use "a blast of wind" to describe a sudden, strong gust. For example, "A blast of wind nearly knocked me off my feet as I crossed the street."

What's a good alternative to "a blast of wind"?

Alternatives include "a gust of wind", "a strong wind", or "a sudden gust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a blast of wind" formal or informal?

"A blast of wind" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly informal. While appropriate for descriptive writing, it might be too dramatic for highly formal or scientific contexts.

What does "a blast of wind" typically symbolize in literature?

"A blast of wind" can symbolize sudden change, disruption, or the power of nature. It often represents an external force that impacts characters or events in a story.