add to the atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

"add to the atmosphere" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to contribute or enhance the overall mood or feeling of a place or situation. You can use it when describing a specific event, location, or experience. Example: The live music playing in the background added to the cozy atmosphere of the coffee shop. Another example: The decorations and lighting added to the festive atmosphere of the holiday party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lighting effects in particular really add to the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Tech

"I like to add to the atmosphere," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Artworks add to the atmosphere, but a pile of old tires would do nearly as well.

The New York Times

The mix of people living in the country will just add to the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Sport

But Clarke said in some ways the silence would add to the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Sport

To add to the atmosphere, the spaces are filled with recorded roaring.

The New York Times - Arts

(Witness Lola's flaming retro-punk locks, which add to the atmosphere of visual sampling).

The New York Times - Magazine

Activities are taxed according to the incremental amount of carbon they add to the atmosphere.

The Guardian

The damp air is no distraction, in fact may even add to the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Travel

"Brass Bonanza" was used as a goal song to add to the atmosphere -- and wound up annoying opponents.

The New York Times

Saucers of light add to the atmosphere as natural light fades and day passes to night, life to death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use sensory details to illustrate how specific elements "add to the atmosphere". For example, instead of saying "The decorations added to the atmosphere", try "The scent of pine needles and the soft glow of the fairy lights added to the festive atmosphere."

Common error

Avoid using "add to the atmosphere" as a generic statement. Always specify how something contributes to the atmosphere. For example, instead of just stating "The music added to the atmosphere", explain what kind of music and how it affected the feeling, like "The upbeat jazz music added to the lively and energetic atmosphere of the party."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add to the atmosphere" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something is contributing to or enhancing the overall mood or feeling of a place or situation. Ludwig provides various examples where elements like music, lighting, or decorations are described as adding to the atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Travel

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "add to the atmosphere" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe how elements contribute to the overall mood or feeling of a place or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse contexts, most frequently from News & Media and Travel sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase with specificity, detailing how the described element impacts the atmosphere. Consider synonyms like "enhance the ambiance" or "improve the mood" for nuanced expressions. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey how specific aspects shape the sensory and emotional environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute to the feeling

Emphasizes the contribution to a general sense or emotion.

enhance the ambiance

Uses a different noun with a similar meaning and a more formal tone.

enrich the environment

Focuses on making the surroundings richer or more full.

improve the mood

Highlights the emotional aspect of the atmosphere.

bolster the vibe

Uses a more informal term for atmosphere.

heighten the effect

Focuses on intensifying an already present effect.

complement the setting

Highlights how something matches and improves the location.

accentuate the character

Emphasizes enhancing the unique qualities of a place.

magnify the spirit

Focuses on amplifying the intangible essence or feeling.

lend itself to the mood

Uses a different verb structure to express a similar contribution.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "add to the atmosphere" in a sentence?

To effectively use "add to the atmosphere", describe the element that is contributing and the specific feeling it creates. For example, "The candlelight and soft music "add to the atmosphere" of romance and relaxation."

What are some alternatives to "add to the atmosphere" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "enhance the ambiance", "enrich the environment", or "improve the mood" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "add to the atmosphere" or "adds to the atmosphere"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "add to the atmosphere" with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they". Use "adds to the atmosphere" with singular subjects such as "he/she/it" or a singular noun.

What's the difference between "add to the atmosphere" and "contribute to the feeling"?

"Add to the atmosphere" refers to enhancing the overall environment or mood of a place or situation. "Contribute to the feeling" emphasizes the contribution to a specific emotion or sensation. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused on emotional impact.