foul weather

USAGE SUMMARY

'foul weather' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe unpleasant conditions outside such as rain, snow, wind, etc. For example: "The forecast calls for foul weather all week, so make sure to bring a raincoat if you plan to go outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And if there's foul weather?

The New York Times - Tech

But doesn't work in foul weather.

The New York Times

Foul weather is on the way.

The New York Times

Foul weather in space is also bad news for astronauts.

The Economist

It passes through rough country routinely beset by foul weather.

The New Yorker

Foul weather and ferocious winds hampered recovery efforts.

The New York Times

The siege outside the church began in foul weather.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Foul-weather friends or foes?

The Economist

INSIDE TRACK: -- Plush but practical foul-weather friend.

The New York Times

Front drive has foul-weather and packaging advantages, and most consumers find it acceptable.

The New York Times

Obama is a foul-weather populist and Gingrich is a fair-weather normal guy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events affected by "foul weather", specify the type of weather (e.g., heavy rain, blizzard) to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid the common error of using "fowl weather" instead of "foul weather". "Fowl" refers to birds, while "foul" describes something unpleasant or offensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul weather" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase often describing unpleasant outdoor conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foul weather" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe unpleasant atmospheric conditions, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is used in a neutral register across various contexts, most frequently in news and media. Alternatives like "inclement weather" or "bad weather" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to avoid confusing "foul" with "fowl". When using "foul weather", consider specifying the type of weather for clarity. Overall, the phrase is well-established and readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclement weather

Focuses on the severity and unpleasantness of the weather.

adverse weather conditions

Emphasizes the negative impact or difficulty caused by the weather.

bad weather

A more general and common way to refer to undesirable weather.

severe weather

Highlights the intensity and potential danger of the weather.

stormy weather

Specifically refers to weather dominated by storms.

rough weather

Suggests turbulent and unpleasant conditions, often used in maritime contexts.

unfavorable weather

Indicates that the weather is not conducive to a particular activity or purpose.

poor weather conditions

A descriptive phrase emphasizing the substandard quality of the weather.

nasty weather

Informal term for very unpleasant weather.

unpleasant weather

Focuses on the discomfort and lack of enjoyment associated with the weather.

FAQs

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

You can use "foul weather" to describe disruptive or unpleasant atmospheric conditions. For example, "The game was cancelled due to "foul weather"".

What are some alternatives to saying "foul weather"?

Alternatives include "inclement weather", "bad weather", or "severe weather", depending on the specific context.

Is "foul weather" formal or informal?

"Foul weather" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What kind of weather can be described as "foul weather"?

"Foul weather" typically refers to rain, snow, strong winds, or any combination of unpleasant atmospheric conditions.