atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

'atmosphere' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to either the air surrounding the Earth or the environment and mood of a particular place or situation. Example sentence: The festive atmosphere of the Christmas market was electric.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in the wake of the mass slaughter in the US, and the arrest of three IRA suspects in Colombia, the atmosphere in Belfast is difficult to gauge.

The Guardian

You could imagine the chilly atmosphere at the breakfast table, the prime minister is said to have remarked to friends afterwards.

The Guardian

Above all, in Baghdad there was a pervasive air of deskbound caution, buck-passing, and ass-covering, in contrast with the Wild West atmosphere that broke out, for better and for worse, in Saigon in April of 1975.

The Economist

Catherine West, who beat Lynne Featherstone in the Red Wedding of the Lib Dem's election, creates a completely different atmosphere, but it's also one of infinite possibility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These eddies of trouble, the revival of secondary disputes and the mixture of economic policy with diplomatic grievances and popular rhetoric all echo the atmosphere of the early 1930s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the absence of away fans the atmosphere was not helped by a security operation that, according to eyewitnesses, was woefully inadequate.

The Guardian - Sport

All who were there have commented on the supercharged atmosphere among a crowd whipped into a frenzy by the nationalism stirred up by their first clash with Albania in Belgrade since 1967.

The Guardian - Sport

The hour added something otherworldly to the atmosphere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you accept that adding 30 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere every year is a bad thing, then you have to accept that someone should do something about it.

The Guardian

A proposed experiment to test a way to deliver particles into the upper atmosphere using a balloon and a one kilometre-long pipe was cancelled in 2012 after it was reported that two of the scientists involved had submitted patent applications that were similar to the techniques being proposed.

The Guardian

Players who have left Inverness, almost to a man, speak in glowing terms about the atmosphere at the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the Earth's "atmosphere", be specific about which layer or aspect you are discussing (e.g., upper atmosphere, atmospheric pressure).

Common error

Avoid using "atmosphere" when you specifically mean 'weather' (short-term conditions) or 'climate' (long-term patterns). "Atmosphere" is broader and encompasses more than just daily weather.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "atmosphere" is as a noun. It refers to the gaseous envelope surrounding a celestial body or the pervading tone or mood of a place or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Travel

18%

Sport

14%

Less common in

Arts

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Opinion

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "atmosphere" is a very common noun used to describe the gaseous envelope surrounding a celestial body or the prevailing mood of a place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It appears most frequently in News & Media, but also prominently in Travel and Sport contexts. When writing, be mindful of confusing "atmosphere" with similar terms like "weather" or "climate". Alternatives such as "ambiance", "air", and "mood" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiance

Focuses on the feeling or mood of a place or situation.

ambience

Similar to 'ambiance', stresses the feeling of a place.

air

Emphasizes the feeling or impression given by a person or place.

mood

Highlights the emotional state or prevailing feeling.

environment

Refers to the surrounding conditions or influences.

climate

Indicates the prevailing conditions or attitudes.

feeling

Focuses on the emotional quality or tone.

aura

Suggests a distinctive atmosphere or quality.

prevailing conditions

Refers to general state or environment.

overall impression

Emphasizes the general effect or feeling created.

FAQs

How can I use "atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "atmosphere" to describe the mood of a place, such as, "The restaurant had a romantic atmosphere." It can also refer to the gases surrounding a planet, like, "The Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful radiation."

What are some synonyms for "atmosphere" when describing a mood?

When describing the mood or feeling of a place, you can use synonyms like "ambiance", "mood", or "aura".

What is the difference between "atmosphere" and "environment"?

"Atmosphere" often refers to the prevailing mood or feeling of a place or situation, or the gaseous envelope surrounding a celestial body, while "environment" refers to the surrounding conditions that affect living organisms.

Can "atmosphere" be used in a scientific context?

Yes, "atmosphere" is commonly used in scientific contexts to refer to the layers of gases surrounding a planet or star, and to describe atmospheric phenomena.