grey sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grey sky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe overcast weather conditions or a gloomy atmosphere. Example: "As I looked out the window, I couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy under the grey sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A grey sky is caused by clouds.

BBC

(Shrugs, looks up to grey sky).

Independent

Twisters of brightness against grey sky".

The Guardian - Books

Can't bear another miserable grey sky?

The Guardian - Travel

Fermyn today is grey: grey sky, grey mud, grey bark.

The Guardian

Larks scribble their songs in the grey sky.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He gazes at the steel-grey sky.

The Guardian - Arts

"Nobody should want a battleship-grey sky in their photograph.

The Guardian - Money

Outside a slate-grey sky is pondering whether to dispense driving sleet or merely torrential rain.

The Guardian

Stones underfoot seemed to chatter and sneer, the Luton-grey sky was an idiotic, mocking expanse.

The Guardian - Music

You know, and the hazy blue-grey sky with big white clouds drifting over Central Park.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grey sky" to evoke a sense of gloom, melancholy, or neutrality in your writing. It's particularly effective when setting a specific mood or describing weather conditions.

Common error

While "grey sky" is a valid description, avoid using it excessively, especially in creative writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing repetitive and predictable. Instead, try using more descriptive and evocative language to capture the atmospheric conditions, such as "leaden sky" or "overcast horizon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grey sky" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific condition of the atmosphere and is frequently used in descriptive contexts as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grey sky" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an overcast or dull sky. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a sense of gloom or neutrality and is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it is important to avoid overusing "grey sky" in creative writing and to consider using alternative descriptions to maintain originality. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and is considered very common based on the frequency of its occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast sky

Focuses on the cloud cover being the main attribute, instead of the sky's color.

cloudy sky

Similar to overcast sky, emphasizing the presence of clouds.

dull sky

Emphasizes the lack of brightness or vibrancy.

leaden sky

Highlights the heavy, oppressive feeling associated with the sky's color.

gloomy sky

Focuses on the somber and depressing mood created by the sky.

steel-grey sky

Specifies the shade of grey, adding a metallic quality to the description.

iron-grey sky

Similar to steel-grey sky, implying a cold, hard appearance.

slate-grey sky

Uses slate as a reference point to describe the grey color.

murky sky

Implies a lack of clarity and visibility due to the sky's condition.

drab sky

Highlights the cheerless and uninteresting nature of the sky.

FAQs

How can I use "grey sky" in a sentence?

You can use "grey sky" to describe the weather or the mood of a scene. For example: "The "grey sky" mirrored her somber mood" or "A perpetual "grey sky" loomed over the city".

What words can I use instead of "grey sky"?

Alternatives to "grey sky" include "overcast sky", "cloudy sky", or "dull sky". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "gray sky" instead of "grey sky"?

"Gray" and "grey" are both correct spellings, with "grey" being more common in British English and "gray" in American English. Both "gray sky" and ""grey sky"" are acceptable, choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience.

What feeling does the phrase "grey sky" typically evoke?

The phrase ""grey sky"" often evokes feelings of sadness, gloom, or dreariness. However, it can also convey a sense of calmness or neutrality, depending on the surrounding context.