overcast sky

USAGE SUMMARY

"overcast sky" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a cloudy sky, usually with little light and no distinct features in the clouds. For example, "The sky was an ominous, overcast gray this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The overcast sky is stifling.

The New Yorker

The overcast sky was becoming darker.

The New York Times - Tech

An overcast sky does the job.

The New York Times

Here the sun emerges from an overcast sky.

The New York Times - Arts

Television images showed choppy water and an overcast sky.

The New York Times

Outside, the distant Boston skyline glittered against an overcast sky.

The New Yorker

An overcast sky is likely, and snow falls only occasionally.

The New York Times - Sports

Bare branches dripped under a thick overcast sky.

The New York Times - Travel

During days with overcast sky, the pump in the primary circuit operates almost continuously.

Energy Conversion and Management

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This paper extends the study to non-overcast sky conditions.

Building and Environment

Even in the overcast-sky weather condition, the cooling efficiency of the system still reached 0.039 when the total solar radiation was 11.51 MJ.

Applied Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overcast sky" to vividly set the scene in your writing, indicating weather and potentially influencing the mood of the narrative. For example, "The characters walked along the beach under an overcast sky, their faces reflecting the somber light."

Common error

While "overcast sky" is effective for literal descriptions, avoid relying on it excessively as a metaphor for sadness or gloom. Overuse can weaken the impact. Instead, use other descriptive words that clearly connect to the idea, like describing character's expressions or actions: “His face was as grey and dull as the morning sky itself.”

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overcast sky" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific atmospheric condition. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overcast sky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to describe a sky covered in clouds, often devoid of direct sunlight. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Analysis of its usage reveals a neutral register, commonly found in News & Media and scientific writing, though it can appear in other contexts as well. When aiming for variety in your writing, consider related phrases like "cloudy sky" or "grey sky". Be mindful of overusing the phrase in metaphorical contexts to maintain freshness and impact in your descriptions. The phrase is very common, with many examples provided by Ludwig from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloudy sky

Replaces "overcast" with "cloudy", a more general term for skies covered in clouds.

grey sky

Focuses on the color associated with an overcast sky, emphasizing the lack of bright sunlight.

dull sky

Highlights the subdued and muted appearance of the sky due to cloud cover.

leaden sky

Emphasizes the heavy, oppressive feeling associated with a dark, overcast sky.

sunless sky

Focuses on the absence of the sun, a key characteristic of an overcast day.

cloud-covered sky

More explicitly describes the sky's condition of being covered by clouds.

gloomy sky

Emphasizes the somber and depressing mood often associated with an overcast sky.

murky sky

Suggests a dark and unclear sky, obscuring visibility.

heavy sky

Implies a sense of weight and oppressiveness from the thick cloud cover.

flat sky

Describes the lack of depth and dimension in a sky without visible sunlight or distinct cloud formations.

FAQs

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

You can use "overcast sky" to describe a sky covered with clouds, often implying a lack of sunlight. For instance, "The hikers decided to turn back when they saw the "overcast sky" and felt the first drops of rain."

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

While both describe a sky covered with clouds, "overcast sky" often implies a heavier, more uniformly distributed cloud cover that blocks out the sun more completely than a "cloudy sky" might.

What can I say instead of "overcast sky"?

You could use alternatives like "grey sky", "dull sky", or "cloudy sky" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an overcast" instead of "an overcast sky"?

While "overcast" can be used as a noun to describe the weather condition generally, it's more common and grammatically standard to use ""overcast sky"" when referring specifically to the sky's appearance.