a wisp of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wisp of wind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a light, gentle wind. For example: "The morning sky was silent, punctured only by the occasional chirping of birds and the faintest wisp of wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ted Williams played in only one World Series, but his.200 batting average in that one was a wisp of his.344 career average.

The New York Times - Sports

One does, a wisp of a 112-pounder from Wisconsin who promptly does the splits and begins a back-spinning break dance on the floor.

Los Angeles Times

He was a wisp of a young man 5' 5" tall and 115 pounds and wore a blue T-shirt, baggy shorts, and his near-constant smile.

Vice

Laban Rotich of Kenya, a wisp of a man at 5 feet 4 inches and 99 pounds, can run fast, as he showed last night in the 91st annual Chase Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden.

The New York Times - Sports

There's not a wisp of moralising within 50 feet of this film.

The Guardian - Film

From behind a wisp of smoke, Khatib, 29, a law student at Damascus university before the conflict, adds: "The other is: where do you see yourself in five years' time?" The young Syrian's disdain at the line of questioning is understandable.

The Guardian

The team reports that a wisp of plastic just 50 millionths of a millimeter long behaved very much like a microscopic Slinky.

Science Magazine

Bitar is 5 feet 6 inches and lanky, a wisp of a girl compared with the 20-somethings around her at the Olympic pool.

The New York Times - Sports

When Giggs was growing rapidly into stardom, a wisp of winger who at 16 could outwit the best of defenders in the top leagues, Ferguson forbade media interviews.

The New York Times - Sports

Six-feet tall and thin with a wisp of a mustache, Julian, 23, is an artist, whose paintings, pastels and pencil drawings will be exhibited for the first time on March 29 at the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art in Laguna Beach, Calif.

Huffington Post

The memorial service at the Ferrell Center honored 12 men who died last week in a wisp of a town called West about 20 miles north of here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wisp of wind" to create a delicate and subtle image of a light breeze, often suggesting a gentle or almost imperceptible movement of air.

Common error

Avoid using "a wisp of wind" when describing powerful or turbulent winds. The phrase implies gentleness and subtlety, so it's unsuitable for conveying strong or violent weather conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wisp of wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of wind characterized by its lightness and subtlety.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wisp of wind" is a noun phrase used to describe a very light and gentle breeze. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct. While there are no direct examples in the provided data, it is generally understood and used to evoke a feeling of gentleness. Related phrases include "a gentle breeze" and "a light air". It's best used to describe subtle movements of air, not strong gusts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle breeze

Focuses on the mildness and pleasantness of the wind.

a light air

Emphasizes the lack of force in the wind.

a soft breath of air

Uses a metaphor to describe the wind as gentle and almost imperceptible.

a faint zephyr

Highlights the delicate and airy quality of the wind.

a subtle gust

Highlights the suddenness of the wind, but it's still weak.

a mere puff of wind

Underscores the insignificance and fleeting nature of the wind.

a slight flurry

Suggests a brief and gentle movement of air.

a fleeting breeze

Highlights the short duration of the wind.

a whisper of wind

Implies an almost inaudible and barely felt movement of air.

a trace of wind

Emphasizes the minimal presence and barely detectable nature of the wind.

FAQs

How can I use "a wisp of wind" in a sentence?

"A wisp of wind" is typically used to describe a very light or gentle breeze. For example, "A wisp of wind stirred the leaves on the trees."

What's a more descriptive synonym for "a wisp of wind"?

Alternatives include "a gentle breeze", "a light air", or "a soft breath of air". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the wind's mildness.

Is it correct to use "a wisp of wind" to describe a strong gust?

No, it's not appropriate. "A wisp of wind" implies a very light and gentle breeze, while a "strong gust" suggests a powerful burst of air. Use alternatives like "powerful gust" or "strong breeze" instead.

Can "a wisp of wind" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe something delicate, fleeting, or insubstantial. For example, "a wisp of hope" or "a wisp of a memory".