a thunderous crash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thunderous crash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loud, powerful noise, often associated with something breaking or falling heavily. Example: "As the storm approached, we heard a thunderous crash that echoed through the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As he spoke in the school's lobby, a thunderous crash was heard outside.

The Washington Post

He will knock down his block towers with a thunderous crash when you are on the telephone.

The Washington Post

Sébastien Elerbach was finishing dinner at his sister's renovated Norman farmhouse when a thunderous crash erupted in the backyard.

The New York Times

On October 2nd, at five-thirty in the morning, according to Andrée, "we heard a thunderous crash, and water streamed into the hut".

The New Yorker

The trip in March ended in a thunderous crash on Interstate 95 in the Bronx that killed 15 of Mr. Williams's passengers.

The New York Times

Marjorie Hoey has had 19 tractor-trailer trucks overturn in her front yard during the last 10 years, usually in the early morning, when she is awakened by a thunderous crash and the sound of heads of lettuce, sides of beef or frozen turkeys thrown against the front of her house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But the boys don't merely wish to escape their surroundings -- to their ears, the only sound as awesome as an electric guitar is the thunderous crash of the ice breaking when the River Torne thaws in the spring.

The New York Times - Magazine

He adds, "More than one story has been told of hearing the thunderous crash of glass-plate negatives as a railroad's pictorial record landed in the trash can".

The New York Times - Arts

Patrons gathered at a nearby bar were sent running for their lives after the thunderous crash and wall of fire blazed through the early morning sky.

Los Angeles Times

But at the end of the night, the DJ started playing a he'd never heard before, full of cut-up vocal samples peppered over thunderous crash symbols and tribal drumming.

Vice

But at the end of the night, the DJ started playing a he'd never heard before, full of cut-up vocal samples peppered over thunderous crash cymbals and tribal drumming.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thunderous crash" to vividly depict a sudden, loud noise resulting from a significant impact or collapse. Consider the emotional impact you want to create; it's often associated with drama and surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "a thunderous crash" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of loud noises to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thunderous crash" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used in the context of loud, sudden noises. For example, it vividly describes sounds from events like explosions or collapses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thunderous crash" is a grammatically sound and vivid noun phrase used to describe a loud, impactful sound. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, serving to emphasize the intensity and suddenness of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use. While effective, it's advisable to use it judiciously to avoid repetitiveness. Consider alternatives like "a deafening explosion" or "a shattering roar" depending on the context to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deafening explosion

Focuses on the explosive aspect of the sound, implying sudden and violent force.

a resounding boom

Emphasizes the deep, echoing quality of the sound.

a shattering roar

Highlights the overwhelming loudness and potentially destructive nature.

a tremendous bang

Uses a more informal term for a sudden, loud noise.

an earsplitting crack

Specifies the sharpness and painful intensity of the sound.

a violent collision

Shifts the focus to the event causing the sound, implying forceful impact.

a cataclysmic impact

Implies a very large scale and destructive event.

a resounding impact

Focuses on the significance of the impact more than the sound itself.

a booming reverberation

Emphasizes the echoing and prolonged nature of the sound.

a crashing noise

A simpler, more general term for the sound of something crashing.

FAQs

How can "a thunderous crash" be used in a sentence?

"A thunderous crash" can be used to describe a sudden, loud noise, as in "The tree fell with a thunderous crash" or "A thunderous crash echoed through the valley".

What words can I use instead of "a thunderous crash"?

Alternatives include "a deafening explosion", "a resounding boom", or "a shattering roar", depending on the specific sound and context.

What kind of events are commonly associated with "a thunderous crash"?

"A thunderous crash" is typically associated with events involving significant force and destruction, such as building collapses, vehicle accidents, or natural disasters like avalanches and "thunderstorms".

Is "a thunderous crash" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone of your formal writing. In some contexts, a more precise or technical term might be preferred, but "a thunderous crash" can be effective if you aim to create a vivid and dramatic image. You may use instead "a booming reverberation" for more formal language.