ghastly weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ghastly weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extremely unpleasant or horrifying weather conditions. Example: "The forecast predicted ghastly weather for the weekend, with heavy rain and strong winds expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They do their best in ghastly conditions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He made poor dramatic choices – Lord Of War, The Weather Man and the ghastly Wicker Man – and even his fans began to see the funny side.

The Guardian - Film

The weather has been so wet and ghastly, their owners just can't bear to take their pets out for a walk, and so, according to animal behaviourists, more dogs than ever have been stuck mainly indoors and are now "chronically" bored, depressed, unsettled and "in need of therapy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Along with the palm trees and the beaches and the relentless heat, the tropics also feature "extreme weather, geological instability and a whole host of ghastly afflictions," Mr. Frater writes.

The New York Times - Books

Ghastly values, ghastly people.

The Guardian - Books

Ghastly, dear.

Independent

How ghastly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ghastly stench.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ghastly political failure?

Independent

It was ghastly".

The New Yorker

Renoir: great or ghastly?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ghastly weather" to vividly describe weather that is not only unpleasant but also evokes a sense of dread or horror. This is more impactful than simply stating the weather is "bad".

Common error

While "ghastly weather" is acceptable, avoid overusing "ghastly" in very casual conversations. Its strong negative connotation might sound overly dramatic in everyday contexts. Consider less intense alternatives like "bad" or "unpleasant" for casual scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ghastly weather" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. "Ghastly" modifies "weather", emphasizing the extremely unpleasant and often frightening nature of the weather conditions. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ghastly weather" is a grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to vividly portray extremely unpleasant and often frightening weather conditions. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and suitable for use, especially in contexts where a strong negative emotional impact is desired. It is most frequently found in news and media reporting on severe weather events. For alternative expressions, consider "terrible weather", "dreadful weather", or "awful weather" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful weather

Replaces "ghastly" with "dreadful", emphasizing the unpleasantness and fear associated with the weather.

terrible weather

Substitutes "ghastly" with "terrible", focusing on the awful and unpleasant nature of the weather.

awful weather

Replaces "ghastly" with "awful", indicating that the weather is extremely bad or unpleasant.

horrific weather

Substitutes "ghastly" with "horrific", highlighting the terrifying aspect of the weather.

atrocious weather

Replaces "ghastly" with "atrocious", emphasizing the extremely bad or unpleasant quality of the weather.

severe weather

Shifts the focus to the intensity and potential danger of the weather, rather than just its unpleasantness.

extreme weather

Focuses on weather conditions that are far from the norm, often implying danger and disruption.

frightful weather

Substitutes "ghastly" with "frightful", highlighting the alarming nature of the weather.

grim weather

Replaces "ghastly" with "grim", suggesting a bleak and depressing weather situation.

abominable weather

Substitutes "ghastly" with "abominable", emphasizing the repugnant nature of the weather.

FAQs

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

You can use "ghastly weather" to describe extremely unpleasant or horrifying weather conditions. For example, "The forecast predicted "ghastly weather" for the weekend, with heavy rain and strong winds expected."

What can I say instead of "ghastly weather"?

You can use alternatives like "terrible weather", "dreadful weather", or "awful weather" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when you want to emphasize the severe unpleasantness of the weather. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In some cases, a more neutral term like "severe weather" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "ghastly weather" and "bad weather"?

"Ghastly weather" implies a stronger negative connotation than "bad weather". "Ghastly" suggests that the weather is not only unpleasant but also potentially frightening or dangerous.