ominous sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous sky" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sky that appears threatening or foreboding, often before a storm. Example: The ominous sky loomed overhead, casting a shadow over the landscape. Alternative expressions include "threatening sky," "foreboding sky," and "menacing sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Books

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A wave seemingly hewn from stone against the backdrop of an ominous sky in New South Wales.

The Guardian - Arts

I think my intention was to capture the whimsy of the words milk fish and crowd the ominous sky with them.

The New York Times

(You be the judge) — husband Friday as he mowed the lawn in proximity to a swirling tornado descending from an ominous sky.

The Washington Post

We found it on the Isle of Wight one summer, on a rapidly disappearing stretch of shingle (we had miscalculated the tide) under a blackening, ominous sky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On a day when the specter of Tropical Storm Hanna brought low-slung clouds and an ominous sky, no rain fell during the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes I wonder if I was clinically depressed then - I remember at 11 I had a constant feeling of screaming despair, I felt there was an ominous sky nailed two inches from my head.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For something about ominous skies and big weather and secret places almost always whispers, Big Fish.

The New York Times - Sports

Except that, despite the ominous skies, there ended up being only a few spots of rain before the last model left the catwalk.

The Times

The flowers might be flagellants, or nuns or black-robed Ku Klux Klansmen, marching or bending over dry stalks and scarified earth, under ominous skies.

The New York Times - Arts

The gleeful scene amid such uncertainty, and under the threat of a new lawsuit, was a bit surreal, like a Mad Hatter's tea party held under ominous skies.

The New York Times

The gleeful scene amid such uncertainty, and under the threat of a new lawsuit, was a bit absurd, not to mention surreal, like a Mad Hatter's tea party held under ominous skies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ominous sky" to effectively set a scene and create a sense of unease or anticipation in your writing. Combine it with vivid descriptions of color and light to enhance its impact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on phrases like "ominous sky" to convey a sense of foreboding. Instead, integrate sensory details and character reactions to create a more immersive and nuanced atmosphere. Show, don't just tell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous sky" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "ominous" modifies the noun "sky". It's designed to evoke a sense of foreboding or impending danger, supported by the various examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Sports

7%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ominous sky" is a grammatically sound and descriptively potent expression used to convey a sense of foreboding or impending doom. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is primarily found in news and media, lifestyle, and artistic contexts, serving to set a scene or foreshadow events. While its frequency is classified as 'uncommon', its effectiveness in creating atmosphere makes it a valuable tool for writers. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse and integrating it with other descriptive elements for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Threatening sky

Emphasizes the potential for harm or danger suggested by the sky.

Foreboding sky

Highlights the feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Menacing sky

Focuses on the actively threatening or intimidating quality of the sky.

Darkening sky

Indicates the sky is becoming darker, often suggesting an approaching storm or nightfall.

Brooding sky

Suggests a heavy, troubled atmosphere associated with the sky.

Stormy sky

Directly implies the presence of a storm or the imminent arrival of one.

Overcast sky

Describes a sky covered with clouds, often implying a gloomy or depressing atmosphere.

Heavy sky

Conveys a sense of weight or oppression associated with the sky.

Impending doom sky

Exaggerates the sense of inevitable disaster suggested by the sky.

Apocalyptic sky

Implies a catastrophic or world-ending event is associated with the sky's appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "ominous sky" in a sentence?

You can use "ominous sky" to describe a threatening or foreboding atmosphere, such as: "The "ominous sky" signaled an approaching storm", or "A dark cloud covered the "ominous sky" above the city".

What are some alternatives to "ominous sky"?

Some alternatives to "ominous sky" include "threatening sky", "foreboding sky", or "menacing sky". These alternatives offer similar connotations of impending danger or negativity.

Is it correct to say "ominous skies" instead of "ominous sky"?

Yes, "ominous skies" is a correct plural form, used to describe multiple instances or a widespread appearance of an ominous sky. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a single, unified sky or multiple, distinct skies.

What's the difference between "ominous sky" and "dark sky"?

While both phrases describe the sky's appearance, "ominous sky" suggests a sense of impending danger or threat, while "dark sky" simply describes the sky's lack of light, without necessarily implying anything negative.