clap of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

"clap of thunder" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the sound of thunder, or to provide a descriptive sound effect for a dramatic moment. Example: Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder rolled through the sky, sending the children scurrying for cover.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is another clap of thunder.

The New York Times

A clap of thunder woke Mama.

The New Yorker

"Do you mean land mines?" A clap of thunder sounded.

The New Yorker

"With a clap of thunder," Mr. Brancato said, "he enters".

The New York Times

Sadly a clap of thunder cut short proceedings.

The Guardian - Travel

Suddenly, as if the mountains were cracking open, there was a tremendous clap of thunder.

The New York Times - Travel

You hear a clap of thunder and you run for cover.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Kerrey described Mr. Tenet's resignation as "a fairly significant clap of thunder".

The New York Times

10.03pm BST 17 min: A loud clap of thunder above the stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

At that instant, according to the Baroness, she heard a single huge clap of thunder.

The New Yorker

A sudden clap of thunder brought the Cochrans out of the woods at a full gallop.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clap of thunder" to add a dramatic or foreboding element to your writing, especially when describing a stormy atmosphere or a moment of sudden revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "clap of thunder" to describe subtle or quiet events. The phrase implies a loud, sudden, and impactful occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clap of thunder" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance of thunder, emphasizing its sudden and loud nature. As Ludwig illustrates, it commonly appears in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clap of thunder" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a sudden burst of thunder. As affirmed by Ludwig, it effectively evokes a sensory experience and adds dramatic flair to writing. It's versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts, but is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While alternatives like "peal of thunder" or "thunderclap" exist, "clap of thunder" remains a vivid and widely understood descriptor. Remember to use it to denote sudden and impactful sounds, avoiding its misuse in subtle or quiet scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thunderclap

A single word that encapsulates the idea of a sudden burst of thunder.

peal of thunder

Replaces "clap" with "peal", emphasizing the resonant and prolonged nature of the sound.

crash of thunder

Uses "crash" to highlight the sudden and forceful impact of the thunder.

boom of thunder

Emphasizes the deep, resonant sound quality using "boom".

crack of thunder

Uses "crack" to emphasize a sharp, sudden sound quality.

roll of thunder

Describes the continuous, rumbling sound of thunder as a "roll".

deafening thunder

Focuses on the loudness of the thunder, emphasizing its intensity.

resounding thunder

Highlights the echoing and reverberating qualities of the thunder.

thunderous roar

Combines the concepts of thunder and a powerful, deep roar.

explosive thunder

Suggests a sudden and violent burst of sound.

FAQs

How can I use "clap of thunder" in a sentence?

You can use "clap of thunder" to describe a sudden, loud burst of thunder during a storm. For instance, "A clap of thunder shook the house during the storm".

What are some alternatives to "clap of thunder"?

Some alternatives include "peal of thunder", "crash of thunder", or simply "thunderclap".

Is it correct to say "a thunder clap" instead of "clap of thunder"?

While "thunder clap" is understandable, "clap of thunder" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. "Thunderclap" as a single word is also a valid alternative.

What does "clap of thunder" metaphorically represent?

Metaphorically, a "clap of thunder" can represent a sudden and impactful event, a shocking revelation, or an unexpected disruption, similar to how the sound of thunder is abrupt and attention-grabbing.