murky air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe air that is unclear, polluted, or difficult to see through, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The city was shrouded in murky air, making it hard to breathe and see the skyline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Sunset crept up through the murky air, and night fell.

The New Yorker

The murky air has become the talk of Hong Kong.

The New York Times

But neither the announced holiday nor the murky air seemed to thin the crowds.

The New York Times

Living in the city is no excuse: Mars' brightness easily defeats light pollution and murky air.

The New York Times

The resulting polemics cleared some murky air but now have little use except to keep assuring each side of the other's perversity.

The New York Times

Its brooding, murky air of menace is intermittently immersive, though so eclectic and nebulous that it is virtually impossible to pin down.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Re "The Smoking Ban: Clear Air, Murky Economics" (front page, Dec. 28): Although New York City's smoking ban took effect in only March, one early economic trend is encouraging.

The New York Times

Jaunty rhythms are layered into a feisty canvas in "Bold and Defiant," and slow, murky musings lend a desolate air to "Suppressed".

The New York Times - Arts

Hoping to clear up one of the murky mysteries of dirty urban air, scientists have devised a mathematical model to predict how hydrocarbons from gasoline are transformed into tiny, and potentially unhealthy, particles.

Science Magazine

Twenty hours afterward, the dust reached Sacramento, four hundred miles north of Bakersfield, in the form of a murky haze that hung in the air for another day, stinging the eyes and noses of the residents.

The New Yorker

The murky tale that emerged in the air-conditioned courtroom involved dodgy deeds and derring-do across two continents.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environmental conditions, use "murky air" to create a sense of unease or foreboding, especially in fiction or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "murky air" in scientific or technical reports where precise measurements of air quality are needed. More specific terms like "particulate matter" or "volatile organic compounds" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky air" primarily functions as a descriptive element. It modifies a noun (air) with an adjective (murky), vividly portraying its quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is often used to depict environments with pollution or poor visibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "murky air" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, especially in News & Media, to describe polluted or unclear atmospheric conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, suggesting it's a reliable choice for descriptive writing. While its tone is generally neutral, it carries implications of environmental concern or unease. Be mindful of using more precise technical terms when discussing air quality in scientific contexts. Semantically related phrases like "hazy atmosphere" or "polluted atmosphere" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazy atmosphere

Focuses on the atmospheric condition, emphasizing reduced visibility.

polluted atmosphere

Highlights the presence of contaminants in the air.

smoggy conditions

Specifically refers to air pollution caused by smog.

unclear atmosphere

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the air.

dense smog

Highlights the density of the smog.

thick haze

Focuses on the thickness and density of the haze.

obscured visibility

Emphasizes the reduced ability to see clearly due to atmospheric conditions.

heavy smog

Describes the smog as being substantial or intense.

dirty air

A more general term for air pollution.

dusty atmosphere

Highlights the presence of dust particles in the air.

FAQs

How to use "murky air" in a sentence?

You can use "murky air" to describe polluted or unclear atmospheric conditions. For example: "The city was covered in "murky air" due to the nearby factories."

What can I say instead of "murky air"?

You can use alternatives like "hazy atmosphere", "polluted atmosphere", or "smoggy conditions" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "murky air" or "dark air"?

"Murky air" suggests pollution or lack of clarity, while "dark air" implies darkness, possibly due to night or a storm. They are appropriate in different contexts.

What's the difference between "murky air" and "murky atmosphere"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Murky atmosphere" is a broader term that encompasses all the gases surrounding the earth, while ""murky air"" is a more specific description of the air itself.