intense sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense sun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very strong or powerful sunlight, often in contexts related to weather, outdoor activities, or environmental conditions. Example: "During the summer hike, we had to take frequent breaks to rest from the intense sun beating down on us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The dark pigment in skin that protects tropical peoples from the sun's intensity attenuates the manufacture of vitamin D. With intense sun exposure, this is not a problem, as the quantity of sunlight compensates perfectly for the relative inefficiencies of vitamin D production, leading to just the right levels.

Huffington Post

He installed motorized shades to block the intense sun.

The New York Times

This year brought scorching temperatures and intense sun.

The New York Times - Science

The drops of water in my ear warmed in the intense sun.

The New Yorker

UNDER an intense sun, the rituals of the day followed a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

This elliptical algae produces the pigment beta carotene, which helps the algae tolerate  intense sun.

The New York Times

Here in the intense sun one craved coolness rather than heat.

The New York Times - Travel

In the summer, the city bakes under a flat, intense sun.

The New York Times - Sports

The islands with their intense sun and languorous tempo stir special yearnings.

The New York Times

IN AN isolated forest in the Sivalik hills of south-western Nepal, intense sun beats down through the treetops.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the squared-off strands of whole wheat spaghetti alla chitara came scattered with bits of intense sun-dried tomato and sausage, which delivered a teasing heat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the effects of the sun, consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize, such as heat, light, or potential harm, to choose the most fitting synonym for "intense".

Common error

While "intense sun" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "high solar irradiance" or "strong ultraviolet radiation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense sun" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. It characterizes the sun with an adjective to emphasize its strength. Ludwig examples show its common use in describing weather conditions or environmental factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense sun" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe strong sunlight. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, to convey the strength and impact of solar radiation. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise scientific terms like "high solar irradiance" in formal writing. For semantically related alternatives, consider using phrases like "fierce sun", "strong sunlight", or "harsh sunlight" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce sun

Replaces "intense" with "fierce", emphasizing the harsh and aggressive nature of the sun.

strong sunlight

Substitutes "intense sun" with a more straightforward description of powerful sunlight.

harsh sunlight

Emphasizes the unpleasant and damaging aspects of the sun's intensity.

blazing sun

Highlights the bright and hot characteristics of the sun.

scorching sun

Focuses on the burning heat produced by the sun.

searing sun

Highlights the burning heat produced by the sun.

powerful sun

Replaces "intense" with "powerful", denoting the strength of the sun.

brutal sun

Conveys the harsh and unforgiving nature of the sun's intensity.

tropical sun

Specifies the type of intense sun commonly found in tropical regions.

extreme solar radiation

Uses a scientific term to describe high levels of solar energy.

FAQs

How can I use "intense sun" in a sentence?

You can use "intense sun" to describe situations where the sunlight is very strong and powerful. For example: "We sought shade to escape the intense sun." or "The plants require protection from the intense sun during midday."

What are some alternatives to "intense sun"?

You can use alternatives like "fierce sun", "strong sunlight", or "harsh sunlight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "intense sunlight" instead of "intense sun"?

Yes, "intense sunlight" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used alternative to "intense sun". Both phrases convey the same meaning, although "intense sun" is slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "intense sun" and "scorching sun"?

"Intense sun" generally refers to the strength or power of the sunlight. "Scorching sun" specifically emphasizes the burning heat associated with the strong sunlight. Therefore, "scorching sun" implies a higher degree of heat compared to just "intense sun".