bout of snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bout of snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of snowfall, often implying that it is unexpected or unusual. Example: "We experienced a sudden bout of snow last night, covering the ground in a thick layer of white."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite a bout of snow blindness, he was able to collect specimens that would ultimately demonstrate Antarctica's links to other land masses.

The New York Times - Books

Almost all towns and cities across England and south Wales experienced particulate pollution on the 24th and 25th, ahead of January's last bout of snow, but a change to wet and windy weather brought low air pollution to end the month.

The Guardian

However, once a beautiful bout of snow is added to this wintry mix, we often find our feelings of bitterness transform into ones of pure, unadulterated joy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We've been real cold and wet here the last couple of weeks, including those bouts of snow," said Mr. Horwood.

The New York Times

However, a bout of freezing weather and snow across eastern and central China saw at least 23 trains delayed, leaving many trapped in and around the station.

The Guardian

Large parts of Britain are expected to be hit with up to 10cm of snow as the country braces for a bout of sub-zero temperatures, which could reach as low as -10C in parts of Scotland.

Independent

Do they linger a few moments longer before getting up again and then sigh before plowing through the snow for another bout of foraging?

The New York Times

It follows a bout of cold weather which saw heavy snow in parts of the UK and temperatures hovering around freezing.

BBC

The long Easter weekend is typically seen as the start of the tourism season in the UK but the bout of cold weather has brought heavy snow and temperatures hovering around freezing.

BBC

Chionophobia- Fear of snow.

The New Yorker

Five feet of snow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bout of snow", consider the context. It's best suited for describing a relatively short and often unexpected period of snowfall, as opposed to a prolonged snowstorm.

Common error

Avoid using "bout of snow" to describe prolonged or continuous snowfall. Instead, opt for terms like "snowstorm", "heavy snowfall", or "winter weather system" for extended periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bout of snow" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It describes a short period of snowfall.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bout of snow" is a grammatically sound and relatively infrequent way to describe a short period of snowfall. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting it often implies the snowfall is unexpected. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with neutral register. While acceptable, more formal alternatives like "period of snowfall" or "snowfall event" may be preferred in academic or scientific settings. When writing, consider the duration and intensity of the snowfall; "bout of snow" is best suited for brief, often surprising instances rather than prolonged snowstorms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spell of snow

Replaces "bout" with "spell", indicating a short duration of snow.

period of snowfall

More formal alternative, replacing "bout" with "period" and using the noun "snowfall".

snow flurry

Implies a brief, light snowfall.

snow squall

Describes a sudden, intense snowfall with strong winds.

short burst of snow

Emphasizes the sudden and brief nature of the snowfall.

sudden snow shower

Replaces bout with shower to emphasis randomness.

brief snowfall event

A more technical or descriptive alternative.

fleeting snowstorm

Highlights the short duration and storm-like qualities of the snow.

momentary snow

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the snowfall.

quick snow shower

Synonymous of snow shower, emphasis on the short duration.

FAQs

How can I use "bout of snow" in a sentence?

You can use "bout of snow" to describe a short period of snowfall, such as, "We experienced a sudden "bout of snow" last night."

What can I say instead of "bout of snow"?

You can use alternatives like "spell of snow", "period of snowfall", or "snow flurry" depending on the context.

Is "bout of snow" a formal expression?

No, "bout of snow" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives include "period of snowfall" or "snowfall event".

What's the difference between "bout of snow" and "snowstorm"?

"Bout of snow" refers to a short period of snowfall, while "snowstorm" describes a severe weather event with heavy snowfall and strong winds lasting for a longer duration.