an atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

'an atmosphere' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the elements of a place or situation in terms of mood, feeling, or climate. For example, "The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It creates an atmosphere.

The Guardian

It's got an atmosphere.

The New York Times - Science

It's an atmosphere problem".

The New York Times

"It was an atmosphere of terror.

The New York Times

It arrived in an atmosphere of hostility.

The New York Times - Arts

There was an atmosphere of freewheeling thinking".

The New Yorker

There is an atmosphere of reconciliation".

The New York Times

It creates an atmosphere of customized service.

The New York Times

There's an atmosphere of hanging out".

The New York Times

"There was an atmosphere here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I always liked a good atmosphere, an enthusiastic atmosphere".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, use "an atmosphere" to evoke a specific feeling or mood for your reader. For example: "The old house had an atmosphere of mystery and suspense."

Common error

Avoid using "an atmosphere" as a generic descriptor. Always specify the kind of atmosphere you're describing (e.g., "an atmosphere of creativity", not just "an atmosphere").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an atmosphere" primarily functions as a noun phrase that serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing the prevailing mood, feeling, or environmental conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an atmosphere" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to describe the prevailing mood, feeling, or environmental conditions in various contexts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, wiki and business content. To use it effectively, specify the kind of atmosphere you're describing to evoke a clear and specific image for your audience. Alternative phrases like "a specific environment", "a particular mood", or "a general ambiance" can also be employed to convey similar meanings depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general ambiance

Refers to the overall feeling or mood of a place or situation.

a particular mood

Emphasizes the emotional state or feeling present in a situation.

a noticeable air

Highlights a particular quality or feeling that is easily perceived.

a prevailing feeling

Highlights the dominant sentiment or emotion that is noticeable.

a palpable aura

Suggests a strong, almost tangible feeling or quality.

a specific environment

Focuses on the concrete setting and its conditions, rather than the emotional or abstract qualities.

an underlying tone

Refers to a subtle but pervasive quality or feeling.

a certain climate

Implies a broader, more encompassing set of conditions or attitudes.

a unique vibe

Emphasizes a distinctive and often informal feeling or energy.

a distinct character

Focuses on the unique qualities and traits that define something.

FAQs

How can I use "an atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "an atmosphere" to describe the feeling or mood of a place or situation. For instance, "The restaurant had "a warm atmosphere"" or "There was "an atmosphere of tension" in the room".

What are some alternatives to using "an atmosphere"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an ambiance", "a mood", or "a feeling".

Is it better to say "the atmosphere" or "an atmosphere"?

Use "an atmosphere" when referring to a general or nonspecific feeling or environment. Use "the atmosphere" when referring to a specific atmosphere that has already been defined or is commonly understood.

How does "an atmosphere" differ from "an environment"?

"An environment" typically refers to the physical surroundings or conditions, while "an atmosphere" relates more to the emotional or sensory feeling created by those surroundings. While similar, atmosphere is more about the perceived emotional and sensory qualities, such as in "a creative environment".