overcast skies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overcast skies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe weather conditions when the sky is covered with clouds, blocking sunlight. Example: "The forecast predicts overcast skies for the entire weekend, so we might want to plan indoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly, the weather falters between rain, overcast skies and bursts of sunshine.

The Guardian - Travel

The overcast skies helped.

The New York Times - Sports

Strong wind from the southeast, overcast skies and intermittent drizzle.

The New York Times

Gordon earned the 19th starting position under overcast skies today.

The New York Times - Sports

The overcast skies bring light snow that soon turns to squalls.

The New York Times

Many of Hamboussi's photographs, shot beneath overcast skies, suggest a garbage ghost town.

The New Yorker

Despite the overcast skies, we were still able to warm well into the 70s.

The Washington Post

Alton, P. B. Reduced carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems under overcast skies compared to clear skies.

Nature

On Monday, overcast skies before dawn delayed the launch by two hours.

The New York Times

The director, Masayuki Ochiai, conjures textbook J-horror miasma: clammy clinical interiors; overcast skies; diffuse cityscapes.

The New York Times

Monday morning, beneath overcast skies at the Luzhniki, was a little different.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcast skies" to set a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing, especially when describing outdoor scenes or weather conditions. The phrase evokes a sense of gloom or subdued lighting.

Common error

Avoid using "overcast skies" as the direct subject of an action. For instance, instead of saying "Overcast skies ruined the picnic", rephrase it as "The picnic was ruined by the overcast skies" or "The overcast skies made the picnic less enjoyable".

Linguistic Context

"Overcast skies" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used as an adjective modifier or as a subject/object complement. Ludwig shows it describes the atmospheric condition of a sky completely covered by clouds. It is often associated with weather reports, literature, and general descriptions of a scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Sports

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overcast skies" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a sky completely covered in clouds. According to Ludwig, it's most often used in news, science, and general descriptions and can evoke feelings of gloom or anticipation of rain. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, avoid making "overcast skies" the direct subject of an action. Consider alternatives like "cloudy skies" or "grey skies" for variety. Remember, clarity and precision in your writing will always shine through, even under "overcast skies".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloudy skies

This alternative uses a more general term to describe the sky condition.

grey skies

This alternative focuses on the color of the sky due to cloud cover.

overcast weather

This alternative broadens the description from just the sky to the overall weather condition.

cloud-covered sky

This alternative emphasizes the sky being covered by clouds.

dull skies

This alternative describes the lack of brightness in the sky.

leaden skies

This alternative evokes a sense of heaviness and gloom.

sunless skies

This alternative highlights the absence of the sun.

gloomy skies

This alternative conveys a negative or depressing atmosphere.

heavily clouded skies

This alternative emphasizes the density of the clouds.

murky skies

This alternative suggests a lack of clarity in the sky.

FAQs

How can I use "overcast skies" in a sentence?

"Overcast skies" is typically used to describe the weather. For example: "Despite the "overcast skies", we decided to go for a hike".

What's the difference between "overcast skies" and "cloudy skies"?

"Cloudy skies" is a more general term, while "overcast skies" implies a complete or near-complete covering of clouds, blocking out the sun.

What are some synonyms for "overcast skies"?

Alternatives include "grey skies", "dull skies", or "cloud-covered sky".

Is it appropriate to use "overcast skies" in formal writing?

Yes, "overcast skies" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a descriptive phrase suitable for various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles.