breath of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

"breath of wind" is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a gentle breeze (not a strong gust of wind). Here is an example sentence: "I felt a light breath of wind as I stepped out into the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Not a breath of wind.

The Guardian

There's not a breath of wind.

The Guardian

And then a breath of wind shivers the painted waters.

The Guardian

Every beam of slanting light, every breath of wind, every flitter of movement revealed something unseen.

The New York Times - Science

There was not a breath of wind, but every twig and branch bristled with spiky hoarfrost.

The New Yorker

One breath of wind and the kid would be flung to its doom.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

What was rare was the cloudless, not-a-breath-of-wind dawn that arrived on the fifth day, the last of 2007.

The New York Times - Travel

In the opening semifinal, China beat Britain, 208-202, amid the first breaths of wind and the start of the rain.

The New York Times - Sports

The frost breath of the wind makes me blink, the frigid air rips at my lungs.

The Guardian - Books

Through them could be heard the song of a bird, the breath of the wind, the roar of the much larger creature racing toward you.

The New York Times

Fall settled in early that year, a succession of damp glistening days that took the leaves off the trees and fed on the breath of the wind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breath of wind" to evoke a sense of tranquility or subtle change, particularly in descriptive or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "breath of wind" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions of wind with more specific terms like "gentle breeze", "light air", or "zephyr" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breath of wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe a gentle movement of air. The provided examples showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breath of wind" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gentle breeze or slight air movement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-regarded and can be used safely in writing. Its primary function is descriptive, often setting a scene or mood. While versatile, overusing it can lead to monotony; therefore, considering synonyms like "gentle breeze", "light air", or "zephyr" can enhance writing. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, confirming its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle breeze

Focuses on the mild and pleasant nature of the wind.

slight breeze

Similar to "gentle breeze" but puts more emphasis on it being faint.

light air

Emphasizes the lack of intensity of the wind.

soft gust

Highlights a brief and gentle burst of wind.

zephyr

A more poetic and literary term for a gentle breeze.

whisper of wind

Evokes a sense of quietness and subtlety in the wind.

murmur of air

Suggests a soft, almost inaudible movement of air.

hint of a breeze

Indicates a very faint and subtle presence of wind.

puff of air

Highlights a small and brief emission of wind.

faint draft

Highlights the gentle nature of the wind inside a closed space.

FAQs

How can I use "breath of wind" in a sentence?

You can use "breath of wind" to describe a gentle breeze or a slight movement of air. For example, "A "gentle breeze" rustled the leaves", or "I felt a "soft gust" on my face".

What's a good substitute for "breath of wind"?

Alternatives include "gentle breeze", "light air", or "zephyr", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "breath of wind" a formal or informal expression?

"Breath of wind" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's more about the descriptive quality than the level of formality.

What does "breath of wind" symbolize?

"Breath of wind" can symbolize subtle change, tranquility, or a fleeting moment of peace. It often evokes a sense of lightness and delicacy.