crash of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crash of thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the loud, sudden sound that accompanies a lightning strike during a storm. Example: "As the storm approached, a crash of thunder echoed through the valley, startling the birds from their nests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A crash of thunder sounded and the other chimps dispersed.

The New Yorker

Here you may imagine an evil laugh and crash of thunder if you wish.

The New York Times

On a February night some years ago, the Genofiles were awakened by a crash of thunder — lightning striking the mountain front.

The New Yorker

Jill woke up on the morning of her 16th birthday to a loud crash of thunder.

Huffington Post

"What a crash of thunder!' 49...Qc8 50.Ng6+ Kg7 51.Nxe7+ 'A most tragic termination, the whole of the remaining army killed with one shot," concludes Bird.

Huffington Post

Also, when de Pury announces at the conclusion of this episode that (surprise!) "one person will go," there is a crash of thunder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The entertainment was breathless and the elements were in tune: the crashes of thunder were on an epic scale.

The Guardian - Sport

A torrential downpour just five minutes into the match forced referee Bjorn Kuipers to take the teams off the pitch, with crashes of thunder and flashes of lightning lighting up the sky above the Donbass Arena.

Independent

And, like you, my first reaction would be to put my head in my hands and stuff wool in my ears to stop the sound of the crashing of thunder and the resounding of the word "ruined!" But I hope that by now you've got over that stage and realise that there is absolutely nothing you can do except adapt your lives to fit this new development.

Independent

The room is pulsing with flashes of lighting accompanied by violent crashes of thunder.

Huffington Post

The crash and thunder of the explosions, far larger than those used in recent mortar attacks in Baghdad, suggested it was quite large.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "crash of thunder" to vividly describe a sudden and impactful sound during a storm, particularly when emphasizing the startling or dramatic effect it has on a scene or characters.

Common error

Avoid using "crash of thunder" metaphorically to describe any loud noise. The phrase is most effective when directly associated with actual thunder during a storm. Using it outside this context can sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crash of thunder" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a specific type of sound event. It vividly evokes the auditory experience associated with thunderstorms. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crash of thunder" is a descriptive noun phrase used to depict the loud, explosive sound accompanying lightning during a storm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in written English, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "clap of thunder" or "boom of thunder" exist, "crash of thunder" effectively conveys both the suddenness and intensity of the sound. It's most appropriate for describing actual thunder during a storm, and overusing it metaphorically can diminish its impact. This phrase serves to vividly illustrate a scene or create a dramatic effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crashing thunder

Focuses on the sound of thunder being intense and destructive.

thunderclap

A single, distinct instance of thunder, emphasizing the suddenness of the sound.

clap of thunder

Emphasizes the sharp, sudden nature of the thunder sound.

peal of thunder

Suggests a resonant, prolonged sound of thunder, rather than a single crash.

boom of thunder

Focuses on the deep, resonant quality of the thunder's sound.

roll of thunder

Describes a continuous, rumbling sound of thunder that persists over time.

thunderous roar

Emphasizes the intensity and power of the thunder's sound.

deafening thunder

Highlights the overwhelming loudness of the thunder.

explosive thunder

Suggests a particularly violent and sudden burst of thunder.

rumbling thunder

Implies a low, continuous sound, often preceding or following a more distinct crash.

FAQs

What does "crash of thunder" mean?

The phrase "crash of thunder" refers to the loud, explosive sound produced by a discharge of electricity during a thunderstorm. It often implies a sudden and startling noise.

What's a more descriptive way to say "crash of thunder"?

You could use phrases like "deafening thunder", "thunderous roar", or "explosive thunder" to add more emphasis to the sound.

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

Yes, "clap of thunder" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "crash of thunder". Both describe the sound of thunder, but "clap" might suggest a sharper, more immediate sound while "crash" implies a more prolonged or resounding noise.

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

You can use "crash of thunder" to describe the sound during a storm, like in the sentence: "As the dark clouds gathered, a "crash of thunder" shook the house".