hail of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hail of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large number of things happening at once, often in a negative context, such as an overwhelming amount of criticism or projectiles. Example: "The soldier advanced through the hail of bullets, determined to reach his comrades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amid the hail of bullets, he fell.

The New Yorker

Through the hail of insects, a man came running.

The New Yorker

The seal soon disappeared in a hail of ridicule.

The Economist

A hail of toy animals rained onto the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

The driver eventually died in a hail of police bullets.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other goes down in a hail of rotten fruit.

The Guardian - Film

A hail of abuse came down on my head.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Mr. Diallo died in a hail of 41 bullets.

The New York Times

They went down in a hail of hubris.

The Guardian - Business

All died instantly in a hail of gunfire.

The New York Times

The hail of bullets spread uncertainty as well as carnage.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hail of" to emphasize the intensity and overwhelming nature of something, whether it's bullets, criticism, or opportunities. It's a powerful way to convey a sense of being bombarded.

Common error

While "hail of" can be used for positive things like praise, it's most effective when describing negative or overwhelming situations. Avoid using it for mild or pleasant experiences, as it can create a jarring effect. For example, instead of "a hail of compliments", consider "a stream of compliments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hail of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a sudden and intense barrage or outpouring of something, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "a hail of bullets" or "a hail of ridicule".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1.66%

Academia

0.34%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hail of" is a common and effective way to describe a sudden, intense, and often overwhelming barrage of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently used in News & Media contexts. While primarily employed in negative scenarios like "a hail of bullets", it can occasionally describe positive situations, though alternatives like "shower of" may be more appropriate. When using "hail of", remember to emphasize the sheer intensity and overwhelming nature of the situation to achieve the desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage of

Emphasizes a continuous and overwhelming flow, often in a military or aggressive context. Shifts focus from individual items to the overall intensity.

onslaught of

Suggests a forceful and sustained attack or influx, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the experience. Implies a negative or challenging situation.

flurry of

Indicates a rapid and chaotic burst of activity or items, often lighter and less threatening than a "hail". Can imply excitement or confusion.

torrent of

Conveys an overwhelming flow, typically of liquids or abstract concepts like information or emotions. Emphasizes the unstoppable force.

deluge of

Similar to "torrent", but often implies a more destructive or overwhelming force, particularly with water or information. Highlights the excess.

stream of

Suggests a continuous flow, often of information or people, but less intense or overwhelming than a "hail". Implies a more steady and manageable pace.

outpouring of

Refers to a strong and often emotional expression or offering, typically positive like support or grief. Emphasizes the emotional aspect.

wave of

Implies a surge or sudden increase in something, often affecting a large area or group. Highlights the widespread impact.

shower of

Indicates a light and scattered fall, often of positive things like praise or confetti. Less intense and more celebratory than a "hail".

fusillade of

Specifically refers to a rapid series of shots fired simultaneously or in quick succession. More precise and focused on gunfire than a general "hail".

FAQs

How can I use "hail of" in a sentence?

You can use "hail of" to describe a sudden and overwhelming barrage of something, such as "The politician faced a hail of criticism after the controversial statement" or "The soldiers advanced through the hail of bullets".

What are some alternatives to "hail of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "barrage of", "onslaught of", or "flurry of" to describe a similar situation with slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to use "hail of" in a positive context?

While possible, "hail of" is generally used in negative or intense contexts. For positive situations, consider alternatives like "shower of" or "outpouring of".

What's the difference between "hail of" and "shower of"?

"Hail of" implies a more violent, intense, and often negative experience, while "shower of" suggests something lighter, more scattered, and often positive. For example, "a hail of bullets" versus "a shower of confetti".