murky sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky sky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sky that is cloudy, unclear, or lacking brightness, often implying a sense of gloom or impending weather changes. Example: "As the storm approached, the murky sky cast a shadow over the landscape, signaling the rain to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

People like us can't afford anything!" On both sides of Chang'an Avenue, new skyscrapers and giant billboards stood under a murky sky.

The New Yorker

In another painting, the word ACE, in large letters, stands on the horizon, under a murky sky reminiscent of Dorothy's Kansas.

The Guardian

The photo-based painting of lush trees against a murky sky had failed to sell at Christie's in New York in 1994; then, in 1996, it sold for $230,000 at Sotheby's in London.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And, born of necessity, the top-down moves to encourage bottom-up pressure may signal a broader trend that will have an impact far beyond China's murky skies.

The Economist

Robert L. Teague, writing in The New York Times, described "murky skies, autumn temperatures and a relentless drizzle" and described the umpire Bill Jackowski cleaning off home plate with a white towel rather than the normal whisk broom.

The New York Times

Doubtless it would make a fantastic location for the next blockbuster horror movie, but even under slightly murky skies it was the perfect setting to showcase local small businesses and charity groups, with stalls dotted among towering lime trees giving added character to the gothic gloom.

Independent

I was still young enough to harbour a hope that Santa might be flying from the north pole to my hometown in northern England, that his reindeers might soon swoop through the murky skies of Manchester, bringing me everything I had wished for, when I placed a mince pie, a carrot and a glass of milk beneath the chimney of my childhood home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And you can feel it, whether it is fluttering down from the murky gray sky or simply hovering, like a threat, in the moist air.

The New York Times

Adding to the surreality of the occasion was the fact that the roof closed under a murky but rainless sky.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet again, it seemed that the possibility of complete scientific success, although tantalizingly close, had become as murky as the sky.

The New York Times

On Saturday, the sky was murky, churning with a wind that seemed to want to tear the roof from the house.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murky sky" when you want to evoke a sense of foreboding, pollution, or general unpleasantness in the weather or atmosphere. It's particularly effective in setting a scene in fiction or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "murky sky" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of the sky with alternatives like "overcast sky" or "cloudy sky" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky sky" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "murky" modifies the noun "sky". Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, serving as a descriptive element within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "murky sky" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare expression used to describe a sky characterized by darkness, cloudiness, or a lack of clarity. It is primarily found in News & Media contexts, where it serves to create a specific atmosphere or convey information about atmospheric conditions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While there aren't numerous occurrences, its impact lies in its descriptive power, as it often sets a scene, evokes a mood, or hints at environmental issues. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "overcast sky" or "cloudy sky" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast sky

Focuses on the cloud cover rather than the lack of clarity.

cloudy sky

A general term for a sky covered with clouds, lacking the negative connotation of "murky".

gloomy sky

Emphasizes the depressing or somber feeling evoked by the sky.

darkened sky

Highlights the reduction in light due to cloud cover or other atmospheric conditions.

obscured sky

Indicates that the sky is hidden or not easily visible.

grey sky

Describes the color of the sky, suggesting a lack of vibrancy.

dismal sky

Implies a bleak and depressing atmosphere.

threatening sky

Suggests impending bad weather or a sense of danger.

heavy sky

Evokes a sense of weight and oppressiveness in the atmosphere.

somber sky

Similar to gloomy, emphasizing the serious or grave mood.

FAQs

What does "murky sky" mean?

A "murky sky" refers to a sky that is dark, cloudy, and unclear, often suggesting a sense of gloom, pollution, or impending bad weather.

When is it appropriate to use the term "murky sky" in writing?

Use "murky sky" when you want to create a specific atmosphere of gloom, foreboding, or environmental concern. It's suitable for descriptive writing where setting a mood is important.

What are some alternatives to "murky sky"?

You can use alternatives like "overcast sky", "cloudy sky", or "gloomy sky" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "murky sky" a formal or informal expression?

"Murky sky" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in descriptive or literary writing than in scientific or technical reports. It maintains a neutral tone but carries a slightly negative connotation.