like a tempest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a tempest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is chaotic, turbulent, or intense, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her emotions surged like a tempest, overwhelming her with a mix of anger and sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"The whole thing sounds like a tempest in a teapot".

The New Yorker

It roars and rages, like a tempest, but aside from Mirren its thunder is mostly fake.

Independent

At first glance this dispute might seem like a tempest in a very British teapot.

The New York Times

If there was rage, I raged like a tempest; if Shylock was mean, I was pure evil.

The Guardian

But that controversy may look like a tempest in a teapot compared with a broader and no less heated discussion that is roiling the medical community: should birth-control pills of any type require a doctor's prescription?

The New York Times

One is that the film is framed as a response to what, at least on this side of the Atlantic, seems like a tempest in a teapot, and an ancient one at that: complaints that Mr. Izzard once used some old material in a show billed as "all new".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The Melting Pot has teamed up with Foodspotting.com, a popular site for spotting food, and, like a tempest-tossed couple engulfed by a sea of hot broth, both companies are clawing their way back into the public consciousness by offering a $100 gift card to lucky foodspotters who deign to spot their fondue.

TechCrunch

Seated at a terminal with mouse in hand, Gehry associate and three-dimensional database specialist Kristin Woehl can easily rotate perspectives so that on the monitor, the building leaps and lurches like a tempest-tossed armada of sailboats.

Los Angeles Times

It makes Warren G. Harding's Teapot Dome scandal look like, well, a tempest in a teapot.

The New York Times

The bleak chords of Blacklisted tilt like trees in a tempest; Ghost Wiring starts as a plodding waltz but grows wayward as the instrumentation refuses to meld.

The Guardian - Music

As in the experiments at the phony optometrist's office in Eugene, Ore., the towers wobbled back and forth after the impacts like boats in a tempest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a tempest" to create a vivid and dramatic comparison, especially when describing intense emotions, chaotic situations, or powerful forces. Consider the literary associations of the word 'tempest' to enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "like a tempest" too frequently in your writing, as it can become cliché. Instead, vary your figurative language to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a tempest" functions primarily as a simile, drawing a comparison between something and the violent, chaotic nature of a tempest. This is supported by Ludwig, as it serves to add imagery and emotional weight to descriptions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Literature

30%

Arts

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a tempest" is a simile used to describe something as intensely chaotic or turbulent. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly appears in News & Media and literary contexts. While "like a tempest" isn't incorrect, it's relatively rare. Therefore, in order to keep your writing fresh, it might be useful to use it sparingly and/or consider using semantically related alternatives like "like a storm", or "like a whirlwind".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like a storm

This alternative is a more general comparison to severe weather, lacking the specific literary association of "tempest".

like a tumultuous sea

This alternative focuses on the chaotic and agitated state of the ocean, similar to but less literary than a "tempest".

like a whirlwind

This alternative emphasizes rapid and chaotic movement, differing from the more sustained intensity of a "tempest".

like a furious torrent

This alternative highlights an overwhelming rush or outpouring, suggesting intensity and force.

like a hurricane

This alternative suggests a more destructive and widespread force than a "tempest".

like a chaotic surge

This alternative emphasizes disorder and sudden increase, lacking the literary weight of "tempest".

like a tsunami

This alternative evokes a sudden and overwhelming surge, differing from the prolonged nature of a "tempest".

like an emotional outburst

This alternative refers specifically to the release of strong feelings, differing from the broader scope of a "tempest".

like a raging fire

This alternative emphasizes uncontrolled and destructive passion or energy, shifting the focus from natural upheaval.

like a violent eruption

This alternative conveys a sudden and forceful outburst, emphasizing explosiveness over sustained turmoil.

FAQs

How can I use "like a tempest" in a sentence?

Use "like a tempest" to describe something chaotic, turbulent, or intense. For example: "Her anger erupted "like a tempest", surprising everyone in the room."

What's the difference between "like a tempest" and "like a storm"?

"Like a tempest" often implies a more literary or dramatic sense of upheaval, referencing Shakespeare's play, while "like a storm" is a more general comparison to severe weather.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "like a tempest"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "like a whirlwind", "like a hurricane", or "like a tumultuous sea".

Is it appropriate to use "like a tempest" in formal writing?

While "like a tempest" can be used in formal writing, consider your audience and the overall tone. In some cases, a more straightforward description might be preferable to maintain clarity.