like a thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

"like a thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a loud, sudden, and powerful sound such as an explosion or a clap of thunder. Example: The gunshots rang out like a thunder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I heard like a thunder, and I don't remember anything after that," she said.

The New York Times

It stands out among this year's crop like a thunder rumble in white noise.

The Guardian - Film

It sounded like a thunder cloud, we didn't know what it was because it was sunny then.

Independent

The recession broke like a thunder cloud, and she took a job nearly two years ago in community affairs for the census.

The New York Times

Now his bluff is being called and the future of Fannie and Freddie is once again hanging like a thunder cloud over American finance.

The Economist

("But I hunch over the typewriter, and behind the smoke, the days whirl confused as dreams. Incident leap out like a thunder and are gone").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Eye, as he calls himself, began the roughly two-hour performance with an electro-kinetic display: clutching a glowing orb in each hand, he used some dramatic semaphore to produce effects both visual and aural, like a thunder-and-lightning machine.

The New York Times - Arts

At first, says Armstrong, the backlash from readers was like, "a thundering waterfall".

Forbes

They are sent flying towards the enemy camp from an eruptor; and when they get there a sound like a thunder-clap is heard, and flashes of light appear.

Wikipedia

The sound of Posca's sedan being crushed and then pushed forward by the impact "was like a thundering, rolling, scraping train coming," said Watkins, who compared the rumbling of the oncoming truck to 1994's magnitude-6.7 Northridge earthquake.

Los Angeles Times

I would suggest buying colored sleeves that go together with the theme, like gold for a thunder deck, green for a reptile deck, etc.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like a thunder", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared to the thunder. This helps maintain clarity and avoids confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "like a thunder" for situations that are not characterized by suddenness or extreme loudness. For instance, describing a slow, grinding noise as "like a thunder" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a thunder" functions primarily as a simile, drawing a comparison to the sound or impact of thunder. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, often employed to describe sudden, loud, and powerful events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a thunder" is a simile used to effectively convey the suddenness, loudness, and power of a sound or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, showcasing its versatility across different writing styles. While not exceptionally frequent, it provides a vivid and impactful way to describe intense sensory experiences. Remember to use it in contexts where suddenness and loudness are key characteristics. For alternatives, consider options such as "resembling thunder" or simply using the adjective "thunderous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resembling thunder

Emphasizes the similarity in sound or impact to actual thunder, maintaining a close semantic relationship.

akin to a thunderclap

Highlights the sudden and sharp nature of the sound, akin to the immediate burst of thunder.

thunderous

A single-word adjective directly describing something as loud and powerful as thunder.

with the force of thunder

Focuses on the power and intensity associated with thunder, applicable to impacts or sudden events.

like a peal of thunder

Emphasizes the resounding and echoing quality of thunder, suitable for sustained loud noises.

as loud as thunder

Direct comparison of loudness, suitable for any sound being compared to thunder.

resonant like thunder

Highlights the deep, echoing quality of a sound, similar to the resonating nature of thunder.

booming like thunder

Focuses on the deep, loud, and echoing quality of the sound.

echoing like thunder

Emphasizes the reverberating quality of the sound, similar to how thunder echoes across the sky.

as impactful as thunder

Focuses on the significant impact or effect, rather than just the sound itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "like a thunder" to describe a sudden, loud noise or impact. For example, "The explosion erupted "like a thunder" across the valley."

What are some alternatives to "like a thunder"?

Alternatives include "resembling thunder", "akin to a thunderclap", or simply "thunderous". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as a thunder" instead of "like a thunder"?

No, the correct simile is "like a thunder". "As a thunder" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction in English.

What's the difference between "like a thunder" and "thunderous"?

"Like a thunder" is a simile that compares something to thunder, while "thunderous" is an adjective that directly describes something as being loud and powerful, like thunder. The simile provides a comparison, whereas the adjective is a direct descriptor.