a crashing sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crashing sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud, sudden noise typically associated with something breaking or colliding. Example: "As I walked through the forest, I suddenly heard a crashing sound coming from the direction of the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

With a crashing sound, the cat springs onto the table.

The New Yorker

There's a crashing sound in the bush and a hanuman langur lopes across the path, stopping to stare at me.

The Guardian - Travel

Loud honking and yelping cries, or a crashing sound in the subcanopy, often is the first indication of the presence of the large arboreal Crested Guan.

Cornell University

The forest is home to seven species of leaf monkeys, he said, and at high noon, a crashing sound high in the trees announced a group's arrival.

The New York Times

At around 8 a.m. on Aug. 4, the photographer was packing his bags by the window when he heard a crashing sound, he said.

The New York Times

You can see many of the game's classic Christmas characters (skins) sitting around enjoying their Christmas holidays watching Crackshot on TV when suddenly there's a noise outside, a crashing sound that even Crackshot hears despite being part of a television program.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

They built a steel drop tower that pokes through a trapdoor into the attic and is bolted to the rafters, along with a striker that plunges a bullet with a terrific crashing sound onto Kevlar-wrapped ceramic bathroom tiles 13 feet below.

Forbes

There's a loud crashing sound like a pane of glass shattering.

The New Yorker

Jacob Matson, who was in a nearby gym, said a loud crashing sound could be heard as the structure collapsed.

Los Angeles Times

There was a great crashing sound.

The New York Times - Science

Then there was a great crashing sound, and the Mangyongbong shuddered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crashing sound" to vividly describe sudden, loud noises that suggest breakage or forceful impact in narrative writing. This phrase adds sensory detail and immediacy to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a crashing sound" excessively in dialogue, as it can sound unnatural. Opt for more conversational descriptions of what characters hear or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crashing sound" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing a sudden, loud noise resulting from impact or breakage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crashing sound" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to describe a sudden, loud noise, often associated with impact or breakage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a generally neutral register. Related phrases include "a loud crash" and "a thunderous crash", offering variations in intensity and imagery. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure the level of detail and formality aligns with your writing's purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loud crash

Emphasizes the abruptness and loudness of the sound.

a resounding crash

Highlights the echoing or reverberating nature of the crash.

a thunderous crash

Implies a very loud and forceful crashing sound, similar to thunder.

a shattering sound

Specifically refers to the sound of something breaking into pieces.

a collision noise

Focuses on the impact or collision that produces the sound.

a loud bang

A more generic term for a sudden, loud noise, which may or may not involve crashing.

a rupture sound

Describes the sound of tearing apart or splitting.

an impact sound

Focuses solely on the sound produced from an impact.

a thudding noise

A dull, heavy sound, often associated with something falling or hitting a soft surface.

a clattering noise

Involves sounds of multiple small objects hitting each other.

FAQs

How can I describe "a crashing sound" in more detail?

To provide more detail, specify the source or cause of the sound, such as "a crashing sound of dishes falling" or "a crashing sound like a tree falling".

What verbs commonly accompany "a crashing sound"?

Verbs like "hear", "notice", "was", or "announce" often accompany "a crashing sound" to describe the action of perceiving the noise.

What can I say instead of "a crashing sound"?

You can use alternatives like "a loud crash", "a resounding crash", or "a thunderous crash" depending on the context.

Is "a crashing sound" formal or informal language?

"A crashing sound" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more vivid or descriptive language might be preferred for creative writing.