a sweltering sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweltering sun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an extremely hot and uncomfortable sunny day, often in a literary or descriptive context. Example: "As we walked along the beach, the sweltering sun beat down on us, making it hard to enjoy the cool ocean breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

On Wednesday, a small crowd gathered under a sweltering sun as firefighters recovered the bodies.

The New York Times

He is often among the dozen or so Giants who remain on the field after practice, under what is often a sweltering sun.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees scored all their runs in the ninth inning of a 9-7 loss to Toronto, in a game played under a sweltering sun.

The New York Times - Sports

Under clear desert skies and a sweltering sun, a team of CIA trainers put the Libyan exile commander through his paces, teaching sabotage and tactics to his small band of fighters.

The Guardian

An informer dressed in desert camouflage with a bag over his head had fingered at least 15 prisoners as they sat under a sweltering sun, their hands bound with plastic.

The Guardian

After the news conference yesterday, held under a sweltering sun on the City Hall steps, Ms. Clinton and her mother went separate ways -- Mrs. Clinton to a meeting with Sheldon Silver, the speaker of the New York Assembly, and Ms. Clinton to undisclosed places "to do whatever 20-year-olds do in New York City," as one of her mother's campaign aides put it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Under a bright and sweltering sun, they appeared even steeper.

Huffington Post

Still, on a sweltering Sunday afternoon, the line stretched down the street.

The New York Times - Arts

My local park, Buttes Chaumont, is perfect – plenty of grass (mainly uncut, a little wild) and trees for a little shelter under the sweltering sun. 1 It's better to do a couple of delicious dishes (see my onion and creme fraiche tarte, below, than several mediocre ones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was one of the tens of thousands of people who braved scorching heat in humid Hong Kong last Sunday, soaked in sweat, carrying our children on a march under the sweltering sun, saying no to the government's plan.

The New York Times

Tens of thousands of protestors remained, many now using their umbrellas as a tool to shield them from the sweltering sun.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sweltering sun" to vividly describe a hot and uncomfortable sunny day in descriptive writing, setting a specific mood or atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweltering sun" in technical or formal writing where objective descriptions are preferred. Instead, use specific temperature readings or meteorological terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweltering sun" functions as a descriptive element, typically used to set the scene or create a specific atmosphere. It modifies the noun "sun" with the adjective "sweltering", adding detail about the intensity and unpleasantness of the heat. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sweltering sun" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to describe intensely hot and uncomfortable sunny conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable, particularly effective in descriptive writing to evoke a specific sensory experience. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples, it’s best used in neutral to informal registers. For formal or technical writing, more objective and precise language may be more appropriate. Remember to employ it when you want to emphasize not just heat, but also the oppressive and uncomfortable feeling that comes with it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scorching sun

Replaces "sweltering" with "scorching", emphasizing the burning heat.

a blazing sun

Uses "blazing" instead of "sweltering", focusing on the sun's intense light and heat.

an intensely hot sun

Emphasizes the heat level with "intensely hot", making the description more direct.

a fiercely hot sun

Replaces "sweltering" with "fiercely hot", highlighting the aggressive nature of the heat.

a torrid sun

Uses "torrid" to describe the sun, indicating intense heat and passion.

a baking sun

Focuses on the effect of the sun's heat, suggesting a baking or roasting sensation.

a stifling sun

Highlights the oppressive and suffocating quality of the sun's heat.

a sultry sun

Emphasizes the heavy, humid heat of the sun, often associated with a tropical climate.

a broiling sun

Similar to "baking", but emphasizes the cooking or boiling sensation of the sun's heat.

an oppressive sun

Focuses on the burdensome and uncomfortable nature of the sun's heat.

FAQs

What does "a sweltering sun" mean?

The phrase "a sweltering sun" describes the sun as producing oppressively hot and humid conditions, causing significant discomfort.

What can I say instead of "a sweltering sun"?

You can use alternatives like "a scorching sun", "a blazing sun", or "an intensely hot sun" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sweltering sun" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a sweltering sun" is more suitable for descriptive or creative writing. Formal contexts may benefit from more objective and precise language.

How does "a sweltering sun" differ from "a hot sun"?

"A hot sun" is a general description of temperature, while "a sweltering sun" implies an oppressive, humid, and uncomfortable heat that is difficult to bear.