gust of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden, strong burst of wind. For example: "A sudden gust of wind blew the tree branches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A gust of wind blew it off.

The New Yorker

"Violent" to a sweeping gust of wind?

The Economist

A gust of wind that enters makes.

The New Yorker

A gust of wind blew.

The Washington Post

Another gust of wind blew past us.

The New Yorker

"Any gust of wind and Emilia would feel it".

The New York Times

A gust of wind blew some of the balls uptown.

The New York Times - Sports

"NEW/NOW: Skylar Hughes — One Big Gust of Wind".

The New York Times

A gust of wind would send it all flying.

The Guardian - Books

A gust of wind, a curtain blown: the vase wobbles.

The Guardian

A gust of wind sweeps in from across the lake.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gust of wind" to describe a sudden, brief rush of air. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts to indicate a sudden change or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "gust of wind" to describe a constant or sustained breeze. The phrase implies a sudden, short-lived burst, not a continuous flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gust of wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a sudden, brief rush of air. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gust of wind" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a sudden, brief burst of air. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves a descriptive purpose, painting a picture of atmospheric events and adding a sense of dynamism to narratives. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to use it appropriately to indicate suddenness rather than continuous airflow. Semantically related alternatives include "sudden breeze" and "strong draft", offering subtle variations in emphasis. Remember, clarity and precision are key when employing this evocative phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden breeze

Focuses on the suddenness and lightness of the wind.

sudden blast of air

Emphasizes the abruptness and forceful nature of the wind.

strong draft

Emphasizes the force and direction of the wind current.

wind flurry

Reverses the order and replaces "gust" with "flurry" implying quick bursts.

puff of wind

Indicates a small and light burst of wind.

flurry of air

Focuses on a brief and light agitation of the air.

whiff of air

Highlights a brief and gentle movement of air.

air current

Describes the general movement of air, without necessarily implying suddenness or force.

zephyr

Refers to a gentle and mild breeze.

squall

Implies a sudden and localized storm with strong winds.

FAQs

How can I use "gust of wind" in a sentence?

You can use "gust of wind" to describe a sudden burst of air, as in "A "gust of wind" blew the leaves off the trees".

What are some alternatives to "gust of wind"?

Alternatives include "sudden breeze", "strong draft", or "puff of wind", depending on the intensity and context.

Is it correct to say "a gust of winds"?

No, the correct phrase is ""gust of wind"". "Wind" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context.

Can "gust of wind" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""gust of wind"" can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, impactful event or change, such as "A "gust of wind" of innovation swept through the company".