loud thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

"loud thunder" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the intensity of thunder during a storm. Example: The loud thunder shook the windows and rattled the doors. Alternative expressions include "booming thunder" and "thunderous roar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Informal

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Loud thunder rolls in the entrance corridor, part of a sound piece by Pavel Büchler.

The Guardian - Arts

Nationalist Chinese bloggers mock Indian aspirations to military strength as all talk and little action—"loud thunder, tiny rain".

The Economist

This year the band has upgraded to the Hammerstein Ballroom; no doubt fans will be eager to hear songs from "Some Loud Thunder," the group's forthcoming second album.

The New York Times

"It felt like a real loud thunder, but like 10 times worse than that," said Kim Bannister, 34, who lives just outside Greenbrier and who, like most in the region, has become somewhat accustomed to earthquakes.

The New York Times

But if making America great again means restoring a history that's been written with lightning, buckle up because we're going to be on a collision course with very loud thunder.

The New Yorker

More than 3,000 strikes were recorded in just two hours early on Friday, and many UK people awoke to loud thunder and torrential rain.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A few minutes later there was a loud, thundering explosion, and everyone jumped up.

The New York Times

"The idea was that you hear this really loud, thundering noise," Mack said.

The New Yorker

Isis claimed that the men had made "a loud, thundering statement that will cause the world to hear and understand the meaning of terrorism, and boots that will trample the idol of nationalism, destroy the idol of democracy, and uncover its deviant nature".

Independent

"I was breast-feeding the baby when I heard a loud thunder-like clap.

BBC

This is a career defining show that distills years of experience into one loud thunder-clap.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, consider pairing "loud thunder" with verbs like 'clapped', 'rolled' or 'shook' to enhance the sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Writers sometimes feel that "loud thunder" is redundant because thunder is never quiet. However, avoiding the adjective entirely can make a description feel flat. The error lies in using 'loud' alongside other synonyms like 'noisy thunder' or 'audible thunder', which add little value. Stick to 'loud' or more evocative alternatives like "deafening thunder" to avoid repetitive descriptors.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "loud thunder" serves as a noun phrase where the adjective 'loud' modifies the noun 'thunder' to emphasize auditory intensity. According to Ludwig AI, it frequently functions as the subject of a sentence describing an event or the object of a sensory verb (e.g., "hearing loud thunder"). While thunder is inherently noisy, the addition of 'loud' provides specific sensory detail necessary for narrative impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "loud thunder" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for emphasizing the auditory power of a storm. While some may view it as slightly redundant, its frequent appearance in top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian proves its value in providing descriptive clarity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most common in news and media contexts, though it also appears in scientific descriptions of acoustic pulses. When writing, remember that while "loud thunder" is reliable, using more specific alternatives like ""deafening thunder"" or "explosive boom" can significantly elevate the sensory detail of your prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deafening roar

Increases the intensity, suggesting the sound is so powerful it temporarily prevents hearing.

peal of thunder

A more traditional, literary way to describe a single, loud occurrence of thunder.

thunderous clap

Focuses on a sudden, sharp burst of sound rather than a continuous roll.

tremendous rumble

Focuses on the scale and vibration of the sound over a period of time.

booming reverberation

Emphasizes the deep, echoing quality of the sound as it bounces off the environment.

explosive boom

Compares the thunder to an explosion, emphasizing its sudden and violent nature.

mighty crash

Suggests a physical impact or a violent, high-energy sound profile.

piercing crack

Describes a very sharp, high-pitched thunder sound usually associated with a nearby strike.

resounding thud

A less common variant that implies a heavy, duller sound often felt through the ground.

stentorian voice

A metaphorical use often applied to people to describe a voice that is as powerful as thunder.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "loud thunder"?

Depending on your context, you can use more descriptive alternatives like "deafening roar", "thunderous clap" or "booming reverberation".

Is "loud thunder" redundant?

Technically, thunder is always a loud noise, but using the phrase "loud thunder" is acceptable for emphasis. It helps distinguish between a "distant rumble" and an immediate, intense sound.

How do I use "loud thunder" in a creative sentence?

You can use it to set a mood, for example: "The "loud thunder" rattled the windowpanes, signaling the storm's arrival." For more variety, try using "peal of thunder" to describe the suddenness.

What is the difference between "loud thunder" and "booming thunder"?

"Loud" simply refers to the volume, while "booming thunder" implies a deeper, resonant sound that carries a heavy vibration.