favourable winds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "favourable winds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing weather conditions or in a figurative sense to refer to good luck or fortune. Example: The sailors were grateful for the favourable winds that guided their ship safely across the ocean. Example: With the favourable winds of the economy, the company's profits soared to new heights.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We have had favourable winds," he says.

The Guardian - Business

BRITAIN'S banks, born to empire, have seldom sailed such favourable winds.

The Economist

Aided by favourable winds and unimaginable reserves of stamina, large numbers were seen in Spain during April.

The Guardian

It is a promising metaphor but favourable winds from the west will be needed for a season or two yet.

The Guardian - Sport

"A lot has been driven by favourable winds," says Mr Fraga, who now runs Gavea, an investment fund.

The Economist

With good luck, incentive payments and favourable winds, this arrived just in the nick of time, before the mass slaughter had been carried out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"While the record low year of 2007 was marked by a combination of weather conditions that favoured ice loss - including clearer skies, favourable wind patterns and warm temperatures - this year has shown more typical weather patterns but continued warmth over the Arctic," they wrote.

BBC

Great drama rests on an unresolvable moral dilemma: will Agamemnon sacrifice his daughter to gain a favourable wind?

The Guardian

The offensive was to begin on the night of April 15 16 or with the next favourable wind thereafter.

Britannica

In the Odyssey Aeolus gave Odysseus a favourable wind and a bag in which the unfavourable winds were confined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Playing with a favourable wind in the second half, Jackie McNamara's side were getting more of the ball and putting more pressure on Inverness' defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "favourable winds" when describing a situation where external factors are positively influencing progress or success. The phrase can add a touch of imagery and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "favourable winds" when describing personal effort or internal capabilities. This phrase specifically refers to external conditions aiding progress, not individual skills or determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favourable winds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes weather conditions but also good luck or fortune. This usage is supported by numerous examples in various news and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "favourable winds" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe helpful external conditions. As Ludwig AI highlights, its application extends from literal weather descriptions to metaphorical representations of good fortune. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone and effectively conveys the idea of external factors positively influencing an outcome. When using this phrase, ensure that it correctly reflects external influences rather than internal capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous circumstances

Focuses on the benefit provided by the set of conditions, instead of the meteorological reference of wind.

propitious conditions

Uses a more formal tone to describe similarly positive circumstances.

opportune moment

Shifts the focus to the timing being right, rather than the environmental factors.

fortunate turn of events

Emphasizes the positive outcome resulting from a series of happenings.

golden opportunity

Highlights the potential for success and significant advantage.

lucky break

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune.

beneficial climate

Emphasizes on the positive, but may be used for economy.

positive influences

Generalizes the concept to include non-environmental factors that assist in progress.

supportive environment

Focuses on the overall support provided by external factors.

helpful factors

A more neutral term emphasizing assistance rather than luck or fate.

FAQs

How can I use "favourable winds" in a sentence?

You can use "favourable winds" to describe literal weather conditions that aid sailing or flying, or metaphorically to describe circumstances that help a project or business succeed. For example, "The ship relied on "favourable winds" to reach its destination quickly", or "The company experienced "favourable winds" in the market, leading to increased profits".

What are some alternatives to using "favourable winds"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "advantageous circumstances", "opportune moment", or "propitious conditions" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "favourable winds"?

While grammatically correct, using "favourable winds" might be inappropriate if the context requires a more literal or specific description of assistance. Also, avoid using it to describe something negative.

What's the difference between "favourable winds" and "tailwind"?

While both terms imply a positive force aiding progress, "tailwind" often refers to a more direct and consistent force, whereas "favourable winds" can encompass a broader range of beneficial conditions, even if intermittent.