dreary weather

USAGE SUMMARY

"dreary weather" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a day or extended period of time with a dull and dismal atmosphere. Example sentence: The dreary weather outside kept us from going to the beach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The dreary weather outside.

The New York Times

It follows a weekend of dreary weather for much of the UK.

Independent

The "Day Tripper" tour was canceled because of the dreary weather.

The New York Times

So at 4 p.m., Manager Davey Johnson talked about the dreary weather forecast and the cautious pitching forecast.

The New York Times

Mr. Cushny complained bitterly about Britain -- the dreary weather, the lack of central heating, the ancient plumbing.

The New York Times

But now, with the cold, dreary weather — not to mention blizzards — dragging on, you find yourself craving a hit of warmth and sunshine.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Adding to the day's dreary weather--and drearier game--was the fact that most of the 78,000 in the stands wore the team color of both the Bears and the Raiders: black.

Los Angeles Times

Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche have skipped Detroit for various reasons aside from the dreary winter weather, including disputes over floor space, scheduling and the cost of participating.

The New York Times

Even the town's usually reliable source of tourist revenue, President Johnson's boyhood home, was languishing, a victim of dreary winter weather and fading memories of the 36th president.

The New York Times

And despite the early hour and dreary morning weather, they had no choice but coming out because if they didn't they would never know what might have happened.

The New York Times

Luyendijk sees Canary Wharf as the empty heart of City life – towering offices, glitzy shops and a setting that (except for the dreary London weather) could be anywhere in the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dreary weather" to set a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing, conveying a sense of gloom, melancholy, or stagnation. It's effective for creating contrast or highlighting the impact of the environment on characters or events.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "dreary weather" to establish a negative tone. Explore alternative sensory details like dampness, stillness, or muted colors to provide a richer, more nuanced description of the atmosphere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreary weather" functions as a descriptive element, specifically an adjective modifying a noun. It evokes a sense of gloom and unpleasantness in the atmospheric conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dreary weather" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe unpleasant atmospheric conditions. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence in news, media, and travel writing highlights its effectiveness in setting a scene or conveying a particular mood. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider incorporating other sensory details for nuanced descriptions. Alternative phrases like "gloomy conditions" and "unpleasant weather" offer similar semantic value. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

miserable weather

Emphasizes the discomfort and unhappiness caused by the weather.

depressing weather

Explicitly states the emotional effect of the weather.

gloomy conditions

Focuses on the overall atmospheric feeling rather than specifically the weather.

bleak conditions

Describes a situation lacking warmth, life, or cheer.

dismal climate

Emphasizes a long-term pattern of unfavorable weather.

unpleasant weather

A more general term for weather that is not enjoyable.

somber skies

Highlights the appearance of the sky as being dark and depressing.

overcast days

Describes weather with a thick layer of clouds blocking the sun.

murky atmosphere

Focuses on the heavy and obscure quality of the air.

gray skies

Highlights the color of the sky as being dull and depressing.

FAQs

How can I use "dreary weather" in a sentence?

You can use "dreary weather" to describe a day or period characterized by dullness and gloom. For example, "The "dreary weather" made everyone want to stay indoors."

What words are similar to "dreary weather"?

Alternatives to "dreary weather" include "gloomy conditions", "dismal climate", and "unpleasant weather".

Is it appropriate to use "dreary weather" in formal writing?

Yes, "dreary weather" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a standard English phrase. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more precise or evocative term might be more suitable.

What effect does "dreary weather" typically have on a story's mood?

"Dreary weather" often creates a somber, melancholic, or oppressive mood. It can also symbolize inner turmoil or foreshadow negative events.