boom of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "boom of thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the loud, explosive sound produced by thunder during a storm. Example: "As the storm approached, the sky darkened, and a sudden boom of thunder echoed across the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was another crack of white light, and then the boom of thunder.

The New Yorker

The obvious answer is in the boom of thunder: an explosion of expanding, superheated air.

The Guardian

The assistant superintendent's nickname is Gunpowder, a detail that evokes the boom of thunder as well as the Petersburg Church of Elijah, which stood at the gunpowder factory.

Stanford University

Through the dark humid air, Hardy could see mountains lit by sudden flashes of heat lightning, the boom of thunder echoing over the water.

The Guardian

In response to a lightning strike or a boom of thunder, "their legs twitched in a way that made them seem as if they were ready to hop off the balcony and into the streets below".

The New York Times - Books

It was mid-afternoon when a huge boom of thunder startled the Ramírez family as they tended their maize crops in the tiny mountainous community of El Encinal, in Mexico's central state of Guanajuato.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even if there was no leader board near, it was easy to track Ochoa's progress by following the boom of thundering claps.

The New York Times - Sports

The Aquatics Centre, noticeably more full than during afternoon events on Saturday, echoed to huge booms of thunder as the divers competed.

The Guardian - Sport

As officials spoke at City Hall, heavy rain and booms of thunder could be heard, severe weather that had periodically delayed rescuers and those assessing the damage throughout the day.

The New York Times

A roar of thunder followed.

Vice

Shuttle commander Stephen Oswald guided Endeavour through clear skies to an Edwards Air Force Base landing at 1 47 p.m., leaving a couple of thundering sonic booms in his wake.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure that the phrase is not redundant. If the narrative already establishes a thunderstorm, using "boom of thunder" might be less impactful than a more unique description.

Common error

Avoid using "boom of thunder" to describe ordinary loud noises. The phrase is best reserved for sounds with a certain level of grandeur and impact, such as actual thunder or metaphorical equivalents. Using it inappropriately can diminish its effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boom of thunder" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the auditory phenomenon of thunder. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "boom of thunder" is a grammatically correct and descriptively vivid noun phrase used to depict the sound of thunder. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for use in various contexts, especially where creating a dramatic auditory image is desired. Although the phrase is not overly common, its use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian lends it credibility. While alternatives like "clap of thunder" or "roll of thunder" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, "boom of thunder" remains a potent and effective choice for writers seeking to capture the raw power of a thunderstorm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clap of thunder

Focuses on the sudden, sharp sound of thunder.

peal of thunder

Emphasizes the ringing or reverberating quality of thunder.

roll of thunder

Highlights the continuous, rumbling nature of thunder.

rumble of thunder

Suggests a low, indistinct sound of thunder.

crash of thunder

Implies a violent and abrupt sound of thunder.

roar of thunder

Emphasizes the deep, powerful sound of thunder.

crack of thunder

Highlights the sharp, explosive sound of thunder.

burst of thunder

Focuses on the sudden and intense sound of thunder.

explosion of thunder

Suggests a very loud and forceful sound, similar to an explosion.

thundercrack

A single word denoting the sound of thunder, implying sharpness and immediacy.

FAQs

What does "boom of thunder" mean?

The phrase "boom of thunder" refers to the loud, deep, resonant sound produced by thunder, often during a thunderstorm. It evokes a sense of power and drama.

What can I say instead of "boom of thunder"?

You can use alternatives like "clap of thunder", "peal of thunder", or "roll of thunder" depending on the specific aspect of the sound you want to emphasize.

Is "boom of thunder" a metaphor?

While it literally describes the sound of thunder, "boom of thunder" can be used metaphorically to describe any sudden, loud, and impactful event or announcement. For example, "The news hit the market like a boom of thunder."

How can I effectively use "boom of thunder" in a sentence?

To effectively use "boom of thunder", place it in a context where a strong auditory impact is desired. For example, "The play began with a sudden boom of thunder, immediately capturing the audience's attention."