draught of air

USAGE SUMMARY

"draught of air" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden or noticeable movement of air. Example: As she stepped outside, she was hit with a refreshing draught of air, carrying with it the scents of spring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The massive size of Oculus Block suggests a mighty torso that has just sucked in a tremendous draught of air.

The Guardian - Arts

On 13 December 1994, on a cliff face in the Ardèche gorge in the south of France, three speleologists first felt a slight draught of air coming from the rocks.

The Guardian

Like ambient techno daddies Porter Ricks, the killer element to these soothing and spiritual tracks has a barely-there draught of air passing across the back of them: is this music really there with us, or is it being heard at a distance, even as a memory?

The Guardian - Music

He felt his head emerge; his eyes were blinded by the sunlight; his chest expanded convulsively, and with a supreme and crowning agony his lungs engulfed a great draught of air, which instantly he expelled in a shriek!

TechCrunch

The pieces were part of the furnace wall, the holes designed to allow a natural draught of air to pass through evenly into the furnace.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She took in great draughts of air as laughter, tears, and the joy of being rippled through her small body.

The New Yorker

And she emits little gurgles of delight when the ghostly Elvira blows draughts of air into her face.

The Guardian

Even without the support of her husband or the need for expenditure, most postnatal women would have been able to complete the practices of carrying metal, speaking softly and avoiding draughts of air, if minded to do so.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Two main exterior influence factors are wind and temperature: the higher the draught of outside air, the more pressure is put on the building hull leading to a higher air exchange rate through small gaps between walls and openings.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

If, for example, you have a south facing conservatory adjoining a north facing room, you should draw air in from the bottom of windows in this room to get a good draught of cooler air flowing into the conservatory.

WikiHow

Listening to Wounded Rhymes, the album she released last week, you can feel a cold draught of Scandinavian air undercutting the hazy LA heat.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draught of air" when describing a localized and often unwelcome current of air, especially indoors. Consider alternatives like "breeze" or "gust" for outdoor contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "draft of air" when you mean "draught of air" in contexts referring to a current of air. "Draft" has other meanings, such as a preliminary version or military conscription, which can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draught of air" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates this, showing examples where it describes a physical phenomenon, such as feeling a current of air.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draught of air" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that describes a localized current of air, typically experienced as a chill or unwelcome breeze. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing examples across various contexts. While it's often used in neutral contexts, it carries an implication of discomfort, particularly when referring to indoor environments. Related phrases include ""current of air"" and ""gust of wind"", each with slightly different connotations. Remember to distinguish it from "draft", and use it appropriately to convey the specific nuance of an unwelcome or noticeable air current.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow of air

Focuses on the steady and continuous movement of air.

current of air

Highlights the continuous flow of air.

rush of air

Conveys a rapid and forceful air movement.

gust of wind

Focuses on the wind's suddenness and force.

blast of air

Implies a strong and sudden expulsion of air.

breath of fresh air

Emphasizes the refreshing quality of the air.

waft of air

Implies a gentle and light air movement.

puff of wind

Suggests a small and brief burst of air.

zephyr of air

Suggests a soft and gentle breeze.

whiff of air

Emphasizes the brief and subtle experience of smelling something in the air.

FAQs

What does "draught of air" mean?

A "draught of air" refers to a localized current of air, often felt as a chill or unwelcome breeze, typically occurring indoors.

When should I use "draught of air" instead of "breeze"?

"Draught of air" usually implies an indoor current of air that is perceived as uncomfortable, while "breeze" generally refers to a gentle and pleasant outdoor air movement. You can use alternatives like "gust of wind" when the air current is strong.

What are some synonyms for "draught of air"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "current of air", "gust of wind", or "waft of air". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "draft of air" instead of "draught of air"?

While "draft" and "draught" can sometimes be interchangeable, "draught of air" is the more common and generally preferred spelling when referring to a current of air, especially in British English. In American English, the 'draft' spelling is more common.