a sudden gust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden gust" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden, strong burst of wind. For example: - A sudden gust of wind nearly blew the umbrella out of his hands. - The boat rocked as a sudden gust of wind hit the sails. - Out of nowhere, a sudden gust of wind scattered the leaves across the lawn. - The tent shook and flapped in the sudden gust of wind that came through the campsite. - The cyclists were caught off guard by a sudden gust of wind that blew them off their bikes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A sudden gust or shifting eddy of air wreaks havoc on his rhythm and timing.

The New York Times

A sudden gust lurched it forward like a child's swing pushed too high.

The Guardian - Books

A sudden gust of wind launches a napkin into the air.

The New York Times - Magazine

… A sudden gust of wind shook out its folds, and I recognized the stars and bars of the Confederate banner".

The New York Times

"Bayou Billionaires" arrives in tandem with another series about a large Shreveport clan experiencing a sudden gust of fortune.

The New York Times - Arts

He dances big, filling the stage like a sudden gust of breeze, but no detail or nuance is slighted.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

On the motorcycle one day, a strong, sudden gust caught my windshield and for a heartbeat I was not in control.

The New York Times

At my best I offer him a game of frisbee or tell a story pretending to be a clumsy bird or sudden gust of wind that comes by and knocks him from the couch.

Huffington Post

A sudden downward gust reportedly hit the airport during the landing.

The New York Times

This is fleur de sel, the crème de la crème of salt, so delicate it must be harvested swiftly; the humidity of night or a sudden wind gust could destroy it.

The New York Times - Food

On this warm Saturday morning — Day 2 of our maiden voyage as sailors, as it were — a sudden violent gust had spun off a passing squall and abruptly interrupted our heretofore pleasant idyll.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of "a sudden gust", use vivid verbs to illustrate its effect, such as 'scattered', 'billowed', or 'whipped'.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden gust" when a gentle breeze is intended. Ensure the context aligns with a noticeably strong, albeit brief, burst of wind. Consider using "fleeting breeze" or "gentle wind" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden gust" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of wind. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Arts

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sudden gust" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes an abrupt burst of wind. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common use of the phrase. It is most commonly found in news and media, arts, and wiki contexts, and is considered to have a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. While "sudden gust" primarily refers to wind, it can be used metaphorically. When employing this phrase, remember to choose vivid verbs to illustrate its effect and ensure the context aligns with a noticeably strong, albeit brief, burst of wind. To avoid using a weaker term consider terms like "fleeting breeze" or "gentle wind" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick blow

Uses "blow" instead of "gust", keeping the sense of a rapid movement of air.

an unexpected blast

Replaces "gust" with "blast", indicating a more forceful and potentially destructive burst of wind.

a sharp puff

Replaces "gust" with "puff", implying a smaller, more concentrated burst of air.

a forceful surge

Substitutes "gust" with "surge", implying a powerful and sudden increase in wind speed.

a brisk flurry

Changes the noun to "flurry", suggesting a quick burst of wind mixed with other elements like snow or rain.

a violent rush

Replaces the term of "gust" with "rush", adding the nuance of a violent phenomena.

a fleeting breeze

Substitutes "sudden gust" with "fleeting breeze", softening the intensity to a gentle, short-lived wind.

a passing squall

Changes the phrase to describe a sudden, localized storm with increased wind speed.

a strong draft

Employs "draft" instead of "gust", often referring to an indoor current of air.

a wild waft

Uses "waft" instead of "gust", softening the impact and suggesting a gentle, uncontrolled movement of air.

FAQs

How can I use "a sudden gust" in a sentence?

You can use "a sudden gust" to describe an unexpected burst of wind, as in "A sudden gust of wind nearly knocked me off balance" or "The flag billowed in "a sudden gust"".

What's a more forceful alternative to "a sudden gust"?

If you want to emphasize the strength of the wind, you could use phrases like "an unexpected blast" or "a violent rush" to convey a more powerful impact.

Is it appropriate to use "a sudden gust" to describe something other than wind?

While primarily used for wind, "a sudden gust" can be metaphorically applied to other phenomena that resemble a quick, forceful burst, such as "a sudden gust of laughter", but this usage is less common.

What are some synonyms for "sudden" to use with "gust"?

Instead of "sudden", you could use adjectives like "sharp", "brief", or "fleeting" to describe the nature of the gust, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.