heavy weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe difficult or challenging situations, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The team faced heavy weather during the project, but they managed to deliver on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Tisci's collection was heavy weather.

The New York Times

Perfect for heavy weather or full immersion.

The Guardian - Sport

But he is making heavy weather of it.

The Economist

Only the latter was kept open during the heavy weather.

Independent

This is the dictionary definition of heavy weather.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Olson ran into heavy weather right at the start.

The New York Times

But Hewitt makes heavy weather of this game.

The Guardian - Sport

But the investigatory powers bill hits heavy weather.

The Guardian

Not that Bley makes heavy weather of searching for anything.

The Guardian - Music

In heavy weather, the ship broadcasts direction signals.

The New Yorker

His first collections for Givenchy added up to heavy weather.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy weather" in writing, ensure the context is clear. It's most effective when describing situations with palpable difficulty or adversity. Consider whether a more specific term might enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy weather" to describe minor inconveniences. Save it for scenarios that genuinely involve significant challenges or hardship to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heavy weather" is typically as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, which is demonstrated through multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy weather" is a versatile phrase used to describe difficult or challenging situations, both literally and metaphorically. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts. While originating from nautical terminology, its use has expanded across various domains, including news, science, and general conversation. To ensure appropriate usage, consider the severity of the situation and whether a more specific term would enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "difficult times" or "challenging circumstances" can provide nuanced alternatives. Its high frequency and widespread acceptance solidify its place as a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult times

Focuses on the challenging period rather than the specific conditions.

rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty or adversity.

challenging circumstances

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation.

stormy period

Emphasizes a time of turmoil and unrest.

trying situation

Stresses the testing nature of the circumstances.

adverse conditions

Highlights unfavorable or detrimental circumstances.

tough situation

A more general and less formal way to describe difficulty.

serious trouble

Indicates a state of significant difficulty or distress.

a hard time

A simpler, more colloquial expression for experiencing difficulty.

problematic situation

Highlights the presence of problems and complications.

FAQs

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

"Heavy weather" can be used to describe difficult or challenging situations, for example: "The project ran into "heavy weather" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a good alternative to "heavy weather"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "difficult times", "challenging circumstances", or "rough patch".

Is "heavy weather" formal or informal?

"Heavy weather" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact is greatest when used to describe genuinely serious situations.

Can "heavy weather" only refer to actual weather conditions?

No, while it originates from nautical terminology, "heavy weather" is commonly used metaphorically to describe any situation facing significant difficulties or turbulence. Using it exclusively for literal weather conditions is restrictive.