puff of wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puff of wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief, gentle breeze or a light gust of wind. Example: "As she stood on the cliff, a soft puff of wind tousled her hair, bringing with it the scent of the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A small puff of wind raised the dust.

The New Yorker

Without a puff of wind, pros showed no mercy Thursday morning.

The New York Times - Sports

"It looked as if a puff of wind could blow it away".

The New York Times

A stronger puff of wind took hold, and I began to soar.

The New York Times - Travel

With a toe, a puff of wind Writes a word outside the world.

The New Yorker

The man looked as though a puff of wind would bowl him over.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As he worked, puffs of wind brought little clouds of the dust swirling about him.

The New Yorker

The broad track down to Silence Mine was muffled with snow, the more slender boughs of its modest avenue bowed under inches of it, sporadic puffs of wind pushing drifts into the air.

The Guardian

"This is fairly typical for this race," said the captain as she cut a section of audiotape from a broken cassette and tied it to the stern to make a telltale to read small puffs of wind.

The New York Times

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Huffington Post

The dialect words, too, are stunningly rich and evocative: "pooties" (snail shells), "crizzle" (to freeze), "cowslaps" (cowslips), "whirl puffs" (a sudden gust of wind driving the dust into an eddy).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puff of wind" to describe a brief, gentle gust, especially when emphasizing its transient nature or subtle impact. For example, "A puff of wind rustled the leaves."

Common error

Avoid using "puff of wind" to describe strong or sustained winds. It is best suited for light, momentary air movements. A stronger wind would be better described as a "gale", "breeze", or "gust".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "puff of wind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a small, often gentle, movement of air. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

8%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "puff of wind" is a noun phrase used to describe a light and brief movement of air. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across varied sources, especially in news and media. While semantically similar alternatives exist like "gentle breeze" or "light gust", "puff of wind" effectively conveys a fleeting and gentle gust, as indicated by Ludwig's real-world examples. When writing, remember that "puff of wind" implies a subtle effect. It should not be used to describe strong or sustained winds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle breeze

Refers to a light and pleasant wind, similar to a "puff of wind" but possibly sustained for a longer duration.

light gust

Emphasizes the suddenness and brevity of the wind, akin to a "puff of wind".

soft breeze

Highlights the gentleness and mildness of the wind, resembling a "puff of wind" in its intensity.

whiff of air

Suggests a brief and faint movement of air, similar to the ephemeral nature of a "puff of wind".

breath of air

Implies a gentle and light air movement, comparable to a "puff of wind" in its softness.

zephyr

A literary term for a mild and gentle breeze, similar to the feeling of a "puff of wind".

slight draft

Refers to a small and often indoor air movement, similar to a "puff of wind" in its lack of force.

waft of wind

Suggests a gentle and floating movement of air, like a "puff of wind" carried on the breeze.

fleeting breeze

Emphasizes the short-lived nature of the wind, similar to the quick passing of a "puff of wind".

murmur of wind

Focuses on the gentle sound associated with a light wind, similar to the barely perceptible presence of a "puff of wind".

FAQs

How can I use "puff of wind" in a sentence?

You can use "puff of wind" to describe a gentle, brief gust of air. For example, "A "puff of wind" stirred the curtains" or "The dandelion seeds scattered with each "puff of wind"".

What can I say instead of "puff of wind"?

You can use alternatives like "gentle breeze", "light gust", or "soft breeze" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "puff of wind" a metaphor?

While "puff of wind" is primarily a literal description, it can be used metaphorically to represent something fleeting or insubstantial. The metaphorical meaning depends heavily on the context.

What is the difference between "puff of wind" and "gust of wind"?

A "puff of wind" implies a gentle, light, and brief movement of air, while "gust of wind" suggests a sudden, stronger, and often more forceful burst of air.