a scorching sun

USAGE SUMMARY

"a scorching sun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scene or situation in which the sun is shining down brightly and the temperatures are high, often to the point of discomfort. For example: "The sky was a brilliant blue, with not a cloud in sight, and a scorching sun beat down on the beachgoers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

In August you will find crowds and a scorching sun.

The New York Times - Travel

There, crowded tents awaited under a scorching sun.

The Guardian

Kenya's voters turned out in droves and queued for hours under a scorching sun.

The Economist

One side of this planet would burn under a scorching sun while the other would freeze.

MIT Technology Review

They were abandoned by their guides under a scorching sun, and only 12 survived.

The New York Times

That, and the quiet humility with which families would queue for hours under a scorching sun to receive their vaccines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

If somebody in one of his poems turns over a rock, exposing the squirming shapes underneath, Roethke clearly identifies not with the human observer but with the worms and slugs and beetles thrown open to a chilling, scorching sun.

The New Yorker

For the woman telling her story on a day of scorching sun, it will be a time to ponder questions of family and affinity that most people never confront.

The New York Times

My idea of heaven is twelve days on a lounge bed in the scorching sun, an eight hundred-page Henry James novel and plastic goblet of pinot grigio at hand, and just enough doses of daily GCSE revision to remind myself that I am indeed a contributing member of society.

Huffington Post

Neumann walked up to a man slumped against a wall in the scorching sun.

Los Angeles Times

When we drove down our old street a few months ago to visit friends, two of the 16 houses stood empty, the paint peeling and the once-pristine lawns burned out in the scorching sun — a story repeated on almost every street in the town.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scorching sun" to vividly depict scenes of intense heat, especially when emphasizing the discomfort or harshness of the environment. It is effective in both descriptive and narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a scorching sun" in metaphorical contexts where the intensity is not related to actual heat. Stick to literal descriptions of weather or environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scorching sun" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or setting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and readily usable. It serves to vividly portray weather conditions or environments characterized by intense heat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a scorching sun" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to depict intense heat and sunlight. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a vivid sensory experience, often associated with discomfort or harsh environments. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Related phrases, such as "a blazing sun" or "a sweltering sun", offer similar descriptive power with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with literal depictions of heat, avoiding metaphorical misapplications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blazing sun

Emphasizes the intense brightness and heat, more focused on the visual aspect.

a sweltering sun

Highlights the oppressive and uncomfortable heat, emphasizing the effect on people.

an intensely hot sun

Directly states the high temperature, less figurative than "scorching".

a fierce sun

Suggests a powerful and potentially damaging level of heat.

a torrid sun

Implies extreme heat and dryness, a more dramatic and less common term.

a baking sun

Conveys the feeling of being cooked or dried out by the sun's heat.

a searing sun

Focuses on the burning or singeing quality of the heat.

a burning sun

Similar to searing, but can also suggest a more prolonged or intense heat.

a white-hot sun

Emphasizes the extreme intensity and brightness of the sun.

a tropical sun

Highlights the intense and humid heat characteristic of tropical climates.

FAQs

How can I use "a scorching sun" in a sentence?

You can use "a scorching sun" to describe weather conditions, as in "We waited for hours under "a scorching sun"" or to set a scene in a story, such as "The desert stretched endlessly under "a scorching sun"".

What is a good alternative to "a scorching sun"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a blazing sun", "a sweltering sun", or "an intensely hot sun" to convey the intensity of the heat.

Is it correct to say "the scorching sun" instead of "a scorching sun"?

Both "a scorching sun" and "the scorching sun" are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "A scorching sun" is used when referring to a general instance, while "the scorching sun" is more appropriate when referring to a specific sun or one already mentioned.

What feeling does the phrase "a scorching sun" evoke?

The phrase "a scorching sun" typically evokes feelings of intense heat, discomfort, and potential danger from overexposure to the sun. It suggests a powerful and sometimes oppressive environmental condition.