bleak weather

USAGE SUMMARY

"bleak weather" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a weather that is cold, dark, and gloomy, often with a feeling of hopelessness or sadness attached to it. Example: Despite the promise of spring, the city was still suffering through weeks of bleak weather, with continuous rain and heavy grey clouds hanging over the streets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Before political uncertainty came along, bleak weather was the default excuse for executives seeking to justify poor trading.

The Times

Forbidding landscapes, bleak weather, depressive detectives and gruesome violence: it doesn't sound like a recipe for publishing success.

The Guardian - Books

This week's Poetry Pairing matches "Bleak Weather," a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox with "A Cool Glide Through Maine" by Eric Hansen.

The New York Times

More like a pain... So let's take just one moment among the news of bleak weather to acknowledge how grand and sublime snow can be.

The Guardian - Arts

Where they went in the bleak weather of May and early June is as tantalising a mystery as their return is a benediction.

The Guardian - Books

I want to drink in everything that represents it and, as much as I possibly can, hoard it for the cold, bleak weather to come.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The upcoming Season 7 of "Game of Thrones" was delayed this year because winter has finally come on the show and production wanted bleaker weather.

HuffPost

With harsh weeks to come, the prospects are bleak.Awful weather for the second year running is the sort of bad luck Mongolia cannot cope with.

The Economist

Between the bleak, soggy weather here and the buildup for Sunday's Whitney Stakes, perhaps the best race of the summer for older horses, an important race for 3-year-olds on Saturday, has been overlooked.

The New York Times - Sports

It was cold, bleak, biting weather: foggy withal..

Huffington Post

Click here to view video The music industry in January is a bit like the weather: bleak, barren and with strong blasts of Emeli Sandé.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bleak weather" to evoke a sense of coldness, darkness, and emotional negativity in your writing. It's particularly effective in setting a somber or melancholic mood.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by varying your descriptions. Instead of saying "bleak, dark, and gloomy weather", try focusing on specific aspects like "bleak, icy rain" or "bleak, grey skies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bleak weather" functions primarily as a descriptive element, setting a specific tone or atmosphere in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct. The examples show it describing both physical conditions and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bleak weather" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe weather that is cold, gloomy, and often emotionally oppressive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As seen in various examples, it's prevalent in News & Media, and its primary function is to set a somber or melancholic tone. Related phrases include "dreary weather" and "gloomy weather", offering similar but slightly different shades of meaning. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy and strive for vivid, specific descriptions. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively use "bleak weather" to enhance their storytelling and create a powerful atmospheric effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreary weather

Focuses on the dullness and lack of cheerfulness of the weather.

gloomy weather

Emphasizes the darkness and oppressiveness of the weather.

grim weather

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the weather.

miserable weather

Focuses on the discomfort and unhappiness caused by the weather.

unpleasant weather

A more general term for undesirable weather conditions.

harsh weather

Emphasizes the severity and difficulty of the weather conditions.

inclement weather

A more formal term for severe or stormy weather.

severe weather

Highlights the dangerous or damaging aspects of the weather.

foul weather

An older, somewhat literary term for bad weather.

wretched weather

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant and undesirable nature of the weather.

FAQs

How can I use "bleak weather" in a sentence?

You can use "bleak weather" to describe unpleasant atmospheric conditions. For example, "The characters' despondency mirrored the "dreary weather" outside."

What are some alternatives to "bleak weather"?

Alternatives include "gloomy weather", "harsh weather", or "inclement weather", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bleak weather" in formal writing?

Yes, "bleak weather" is appropriate for formal writing. While it evokes emotion, it's a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. Just be sure the tone suits the context.

What imagery does "bleak weather" typically evoke?

"Bleak weather" typically suggests cold, grey, and depressing conditions, often associated with winter or stormy seasons. It's less about temperature and more about the somber atmosphere.