fierce gale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fierce gale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and powerful wind, often in the context of weather conditions or natural phenomena. Example: "The sailors were warned of the approaching storm, which was expected to bring a fierce gale that could capsize their small boat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The wind whips through the "sails", producing a sound like a fierce gale.

Independent

A7 Deadly Ferry Accident More than 760 are feared dead after an ocean ferry capsized off West Africa in a fierce gale.

The New York Times

The contents ranged widely from expert descriptions of scientific research and launchings of weather balloons to reports on proceedings of the debating society (a fierce gale happened to blow the evening the topic was women's rights) and other aspects of shipboard life.

The New York Times - Science

When he was on his way to winning the title here in 2012, his fellow Scots Alex Ferguson and Sean Connery famously invaded his press conference in celebratory mood after he had bamboozled Tomas Berdych in the semi-final, a match in which a fierce gale wrecked the Czech's high ball-toss.

The Guardian - Sport

It was also a cold, windy day with a fierce gale blowing down the so-called mountain.

BBC

On 21 May, as Nelson's squadron approached Toulon, it was struck by a fierce gale and Nelson's flagship, HMS Vanguard, lost its topmasts and was almost wrecked on the Corsican coast.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

More than 3,900 people were killed by fierce gales and a massive storm surge, and officials estimate that 4 million have been displaced.

The Guardian

So fierce is the constant gale that it has whipped beachfuls of blinding white sand into dunes hundreds of metres high that ride up the cliffs.

The Economist

Fierce glare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is also a place where the gales can be fierce, as they were when Hugo came ashore.

The New York Times - Sports

As it turned out, Gale Crater appears to host strangely fierce winds that are very good at sharpening rocks to little pointy pyramids, Grotzinger said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fierce gale" to vividly describe situations where the wind's intensity is a key factor, such as in maritime adventures or descriptions of natural disasters.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce gale" in casual or everyday situations where a simple "strong wind" would suffice. Reserve it for scenarios where the wind's intensity is noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fierce gale" functions primarily as a noun phrase that vividly describes a specific type of wind condition. It combines the adjective "fierce," which intensifies the noun "gale," denoting a wind of considerable strength. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to add emphasis and imagery to descriptions of weather-related events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fierce gale" effectively conveys a strong and intense wind, commonly used in descriptions of severe weather. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various descriptive contexts, especially in News & Media and encyclopedic sources. While not an everyday term, "fierce gale" provides a vivid and impactful way to describe the power of the wind. Alternatives such as ""violent windstorm"" or ""powerful storm"" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violent windstorm

Emphasizes the destructive power and storm-like nature of the wind.

powerful storm

Focuses on the storm's overall strength, of which the wind is a part.

severe tempest

A more formal and literary term for a violent storm.

raging storm

Highlights the uncontrolled and intense nature of the storm.

strong hurricane

Specifically refers to a hurricane with intense winds.

blustery squall

Describes a sudden, strong burst of wind and rain or snow.

intense cyclone

Describes a cyclone with extremely strong winds.

heavy squall

Focuses on the weight and force of a sudden wind.

howling wind

Emphasizes the sound of the wind rather than its force.

strong blast

Refers to a sudden, forceful gust of wind.

FAQs

What does "fierce gale" mean?

The phrase "fierce gale" describes a very strong and intense wind, typically associated with storms or severe weather conditions.

What can I say instead of "fierce gale"?

You can use alternatives like "violent windstorm", "powerful storm", or "severe tempest" depending on the context.

Is "fierce gale" a formal or informal expression?

"Fierce gale" is a relatively neutral expression, suitable for both journalistic and descriptive writing. More formal alternatives exist, such as ""severe tempest"".

How is "fierce gale" different from "strong wind"?

"Fierce gale" implies a higher degree of intensity and potential danger than a simple "strong wind". A "fierce gale" suggests conditions are bordering on or are a part of storm conditions.