a thunderclap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thunderclap" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, loud noise, often associated with a storm, or metaphorically to indicate a shocking revelation or event. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy hit the employees like a thunderclap, leaving them in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soon there will be a "thunderclap".

The New Yorker

Dennis Selkoe called the discovery a "thunderclap".

The New Yorker

Sometimes change comes with a thunderclap.

The Guardian - Opinion

Suddenly, there was a thunderclap and a flash summer storm.

The New Yorker

WHY was it "a thunderclap on two fronts"?

The New York Times

The briefing struck the White House like a thunderclap.

The New York Times

Wie's withdrawal resonated through the grounds like a thunderclap.

The New York Times - Sports

News of the takeover broke like a thunderclap over Washington.

The Guardian

Love especially: it strikes like a thunderclap in Munro's fiction and often as ominously.

The New York Times - Books

Like a thunderclap, the European proposal to limit bonuses is reverberating across the global financial industry.

The New York Times

In such tautly pristine arrangements a lone chord can arrive like a thunderclap.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thunderclap" to vividly describe a sudden and impactful event or revelation, creating a strong sense of surprise or shock for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a thunderclap" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and become cliché. Opt for more nuanced descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thunderclap" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in both literal and figurative contexts, referring to actual thunder or sudden, impactful events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thunderclap" is a versatile noun phrase that is grammatically correct and very common in written English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a sudden, loud noise or a shocking event, often metaphorically. The primary contexts for its usage are News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider using alternatives like "a sudden shock" or "a startling revelation" to add variety to your writing. Prominent sources employing this phrase include The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden shock

Focuses on the element of surprise and impact, similar to the metaphorical use of "a thunderclap".

a startling revelation

Emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of a disclosure, akin to the shocking effect of "a thunderclap".

a rude awakening

Highlights the unpleasant and jarring experience of realizing something unexpectedly, comparable to the impact of "a thunderclap".

a bolt from the blue

Suggests something unexpected and sudden, mirroring the surprise associated with "a thunderclap".

a deafening roar

Emphasizes the loud and overwhelming nature of a sound, reflecting the literal sense of "a thunderclap".

a loud explosion

Focuses on the intense and sudden burst of sound, similar to the auditory impact of "a thunderclap".

an earth-shattering event

Highlights the significant and impactful nature of an occurrence, akin to the dramatic effect of "a thunderclap".

a resounding crash

Emphasizes the loud and echoing sound of an impact, mirroring the auditory aspect of "a thunderclap".

a seismic shift

Implies a major and transformative change, comparable to the significant impact of "a thunderclap".

a startling bang

Focuses on the sudden and sharp sound, similar to the immediate auditory impact of "a thunderclap".

FAQs

How can I use "a thunderclap" in a sentence?

You can use "a thunderclap" to describe a sudden, loud noise or a shocking event. For example, "The news of his resignation hit the office like "a thunderclap"."

What can I say instead of "a thunderclap"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden shock", "a startling revelation", or "a bolt from the blue" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a thunderclap" metaphorically?

Yes, "a thunderclap" is often used metaphorically to describe something that is sudden, unexpected, and impactful, similar to the experience of hearing a real thunderclap.

What is the difference between "a thunderclap" and "a loud explosion"?

While both phrases describe loud, sudden events, "a thunderclap" often carries a connotation of natural phenomena or a sudden revelation, while "a loud explosion" implies a more destructive or violent event.