draft of air

USAGE SUMMARY

"draft of air" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can refer to a gust of wind, or a sense of being in an enclosed space that is not well-ventilated. For example, "The draft of air made it seem like the windows had been open for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The principal requirement was a furnace capable of maintaining a reducing atmosphere i.e., one in which a high temperature could be maintained from a good draft of air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A coal furnace is made up of several elements: a chamber containing a grate on which combustion takes place and through which ashes drop for disposal; a chimney to carry away smoke and provide a draft of air; another source of air supply to help burn volatile gases and hydrocarbons; and a metal surface over which the hot gases pass and which transfers heat to circulating water or air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes, insects will not fly upward unless they feel a draft of air coming from the opening.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is deep, boulder-strewn and has strong drafts of air sweeping up from its floor.

The Guardian

Sunrays moving across the rich surfaces of these objects infused them with movement of highlights and shadows, while the shimmer of flickering candlelights stirred by drafts of air endowed the images with life.

Stanford University

The coal fires are similar to those that smoldered for months beneath the wreckage of the World Trade Center, in that they involve buried fuels and are sustained and intensified by slight drafts of air and heat locked into surrounding rubble or rock.

The New York Times - Science

This is a rectangular piece of wood, about 9 by 6 inches (23 by 15 centimetres) in size, which is padded with flannel and covered with dressed calfskin; a parchment shield around one end protects the delicate leaf from disturbance by drafts of air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the Blodgett Forest study site, methanol exchange was determined with the relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method by sampling up- and down-drafts of air into separate reservoirs (cooled activated carbon microtraps), which were analysed immediately after collection by a gas chromatography flame ionisation detector technique (Schade and Goldstein, 2001).

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

A glacier breeze is a draft of cold air that is cooled by contact with a glacier, descends along its edge, and then dies out within a short distance.

Britannica

As we chat about our world, our eyes will follow the sparks as they rise in the draft of hot air.

The New York Times - Science

Johnson published today's report eight months after he delivered the first draft of his air quality strategy for the capital and six months after he first revealed the figure of over 4,000 premature deaths in March.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sensation of cold or unwanted air movement, use "draft of air" to clearly convey the feeling of being exposed to a localized air current.

Common error

Be mindful of the spelling: "draft" refers to air currents, while "draught" (primarily in British English) can refer to a single act of drinking or the depth of a ship below the waterline. Using the incorrect spelling can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

"Draft of air" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a localized air current, often implying a slight, noticeable movement of air. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage with multiple examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draft of air" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a localized air current. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's relatively rare in usage. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific literature, generally maintaining a neutral register. Common errors involve spelling confusions with "draught". To enhance clarity, consider specifying the temperature or intensity of the draft. Alternative phrases like "air current" or "breeze" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

air current

Focuses on the movement of air, omitting the specific intensity implied by "draft".

breeze

Implies a gentle air movement, suggesting less intensity than a "draft".

gust of wind

Refers to a sudden, strong burst of air, indicating a more forceful movement. Differs from the steady connotation of "draft".

air flow

Describes the general movement of air, without specifying its strength or direction.

ventilation

Implies a controlled exchange of air, rather than a natural or accidental "draft".

air movement

A broad term that encompasses any motion of air, not just a localized "draft".

waft of air

Indicates a gentle, often scented air movement, differing in its sensory implication.

air circulation

Describes a pattern of air movement within an enclosed space, changing focus from sensation to a system.

breath of air

Often used metaphorically for relief or freshness, differing from the literal meaning of "draft".

cross breeze

Emphasizes air moving between two points, a subset of the general term "draft".

FAQs

How can I describe a "draft of air" in more detail?

You can specify the temperature (e.g., "a "draft of cold air""), intensity (e.g., "a strong draft of air"), or origin (e.g., "a draft of air from the window").

Is "draught of air" the same as "draft of air"?

"Draught of air" is the British English spelling of "draft of air". Both phrases refer to the same phenomenon: a localized current of air.

When is it appropriate to use "draft of air" in writing?

Use "draft of air" when you want to specifically describe a localized and often unwanted current of air, such as one coming from a window or doorway. It's suitable for both literal and descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "draft of air" and "breeze"?

A "draft of air" often implies a localized, sometimes unwelcome, air current. A "breeze" generally suggests a gentle and pleasant air movement over a larger area.