heat waves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heat waves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, often with high humidity. Example: "During the summer, heat waves can lead to health risks, especially for vulnerable populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Extreme heat waves.

The New York Times

"It's making heat waves worse.

The Guardian

There is one exception, however: heat waves.

The New Yorker

Southern Plains/Southwest drought, heat waves, wildfires.

The New York Times

We're also seeing more heat waves.

Independent

But heat waves are an emerging killer.

The Guardian

First, heat waves cause little visible destruction.

The New York Times - Health

"Heat waves are like urban particle accelerators," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Heat waves are hotter, rainstorms more intense, and droughts drier.

The New Yorker

Heat waves brand themselves across the glass in vapored sheets.

The New Yorker

Then there is the type of people heat waves kill.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the impact of "heat waves", be specific about the affected populations or regions to provide context and emphasize the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effects of "heat waves" without supporting data or credible sources. Use precise language and cite evidence to maintain objectivity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heat waves" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific weather phenomenon, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "heat waves" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe prolonged periods of unusually hot weather. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that "heat waves" frequently appears in news and scientific articles, denoting its relevance in discussions about climate change, public health, and environmental concerns. Alternative phrases, such as "periods of extreme heat" or "prolonged hot spells", can be used for variety, though "heat waves" remains the most direct and widely recognized term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periods of extreme heat

This alternative uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the same meaning, focusing on the intensity and duration of the heat.

extended hot weather

This alternative is a simple and direct way to describe a prolonged period of high temperatures.

intense heat periods

The focus is on the heat's intensity, using the general term "periods".

prolonged hot spells

This alternative uses the word "spells" to indicate a period of time, suggesting a slightly less severe or prolonged heat event.

sweltering heat

This option emphasizes the oppressive and uncomfortable nature of the heat.

severe heat events

This alternative emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger of the heat.

extreme temperature events

This alternative broadens the scope to include any extreme temperature, not just heat, making it slightly less specific.

extreme heat conditions

The emphasis is on the extremity of the weather, and makes it less specific in the time. The phrase "conditions" is also very general.

blistering temperatures

This phrase is more emphatic, suggesting a very high and potentially harmful level of heat.

scorching weather conditions

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and unpleasantness of the heat, adding an emotional element.

FAQs

How can I use "heat waves" in a sentence?

You can use "heat waves" to describe prolonged periods of unusually hot weather, like in the sentence: "The city is preparing for a series of intense "heat waves" this summer".

What's a good alternative to "heat waves"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "periods of extreme heat", "prolonged hot spells", or "intense heat periods".

Are "heat waves" becoming more frequent?

Yes, scientific evidence suggests that "heat waves" are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, leading to various environmental and health impacts.

What are the health risks associated with "heat waves"?

"Heat waves" can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbate existing health conditions, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable populations.