a howling wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a howling wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong, loud wind, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "As the storm approached, the howling wind rattled the windows and sent shivers down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

And sure enough, Friday's event went on despite a howling wind and temperatures near freezing.

The New York Times

In motion, Mr. Rios pitches forward, as if leaning headfirst into a howling wind.

The New York Times

Never again will I have to run through a howling wind to get the stink out of my clothes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We sort of flew into the teeth of a howling wind here, no question about it," he said.

The New York Times

Maguy Marin's dance-theater work "Umwelt," which uses a howling wind tunnel to build an oppressive world, comes to mind.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, they send up a howling wind of boasts, profane stories, lewd jokes, denunciations of criminals, mutual expressions of admiration and reassurances of their own virtue as cops.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In Ms. Thorvaldsdottir's piece, the strings and woodwinds effectively created a dark atmosphere and the impression of a distant, howling wind early on, before melting into the work's morphing harmonic fabric.

The New York Times - Arts

"Up," the elegiac 3-D Disney Pixar balloon movie with sound by Tom Myers and Michael Silvers, recycles a vintage-Disney howling wind (originally created for "A Bug's Life") and introduces a bird language that uses hyena and macaw calls.

The New York Times - Magazine

A gust of howling wind pinned me against a boulder.

The New York Times - Travel

Even scarier was the blending of bass voices and horns toward the end of the sequence — a noise like howling wind.

The New Yorker

Mike Strawley, 70, trudged around lower Ocean City in full rain gear during a break from the howling wind, which gusted to 65 mph Monday afternoon.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a howling wind" to vividly depict scenes in writing where the wind's sound and force are prominent, creating atmosphere and emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a howling wind" in every description of a windy day. Use more varied language to prevent the phrase from becoming repetitive and losing its impact. Consider alternatives like "strong gusts" or "fierce breezes" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a howling wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It vividly describes a specific type of wind, emphasizing its intensity and sound. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a howling wind" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to vividly describe a strong and noisy wind. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively evokes sensory imagery and is frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news, arts, and lifestyle writing. While versatile, it's best employed in scenarios where impactful descriptions are desired. For formal or technical contexts, alternatives like ""strong wind"" may be more appropriate. Top sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its usage, highlighting its widespread acceptance and descriptive prowess. Remember to use it judiciously to prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a roaring wind

Highlights the loudness and intensity of the wind's sound.

a raging wind

Conveys a sense of uncontrolled power and intensity.

a fierce gale

Emphasizes the intensity and power of the wind.

a screaming wind

Emphasizes the high-pitched sound of the wind.

a strong wind

A more general term, focusing on the wind's strength.

a gale-force wind

Specifies the wind's strength using the Beaufort scale.

a tempestuous wind

Suggests a wild and turbulent wind.

a blustering wind

Describes a loud, forceful, and somewhat boastful wind.

a violent gust

Focuses on a sudden, forceful burst of wind.

a whistling wind

Highlights the sound of the wind as it passes through narrow openings.

FAQs

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

You can use "a howling wind" to describe weather conditions, create vivid imagery in writing, or emphasize a character's struggle against the elements. For instance, "The sailors battled "a howling wind" as they navigated the stormy sea."

What are some alternatives to using "a howling wind"?

Alternatives include "a roaring wind", "a fierce gale", or "a strong wind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a howling wind" in formal writing?

While "a howling wind" is suitable for creative and descriptive writing, it may be too evocative for highly formal or technical contexts. Consider "strong wind" or "high winds" for a more neutral tone.

What imagery does "a howling wind" typically evoke?

"A howling wind" typically evokes images of intense weather, exposed landscapes, and a sense of struggle or danger, highlighting both the auditory and physical impact of the wind.