roar of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roar of thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the loud, rumbling sound produced by thunder during a storm. Example: "As the storm approached, the roar of thunder echoed through the valley, sending shivers down my spine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Suddenly, the first enormous bolt leapt to earth, followed by a roar of thunder that reverberated through the foliage.

The Guardian - Travel

A roar of thunder followed.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He spotted a camera in the adoring crowd before the encores began, left, came back, shouted "go away and take as many pictures as necessary to kill that fucking camera" and then, as if stung, roared off into a maelstrom of thundering counterpoint.

The Guardian - Music

All you can hear is the thunder of footsteps roaring past.

Huffington Post

There is quite a lot of bloodshed and a good deal of bluster and stormy weather in "Blood and Thunder": the rolling thunder of horse hooves, the roaring clap of artillery, the lightning flash of gunfire.

The New Yorker

In the closing minutes electronic noise roars and thunders round the theatre.

The Guardian - Music

"They only wish!" Mr. Paul thundered to an audience that seemed to become more energized with his every word, their roars of approval reaching a deafening level inside the Sun Dome at the University of South Florida.

The New York Times

He had withstood the rumbles from distant thunder and the roars of the galleries that greeted early runs by Dustin Johnson (65) and Rory McIlroy (68).

The New York Times - Sports

Only earnest roars of support.

The Guardian - Sport

Roars of laughter erupted.

Vice

We caught a flash of one dark-maned predator snoozing atop a jutting ledge, and watched another three lions chasing a foe and a lioness across the plains, intermittent roars thundering in the distance.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a storm, use "roar of thunder" to evoke a sense of raw power and intensity. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing where you aim to create a vivid auditory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "roar of thunder" in scientific or technical contexts where a more precise description of the sound event is required. Instead, opt for terms like "thunderclap" or "atmospheric discharge" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roar of thunder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence to describe the sound produced by thunder. As noted by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, evoking a strong auditory image.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roar of thunder" is a grammatically sound and vivid noun phrase used to describe the intense sound of thunder. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in English, primarily found in news and media contexts. While less common overall, its impact lies in conveying the raw power of a storm. For alternative expressions, consider "thunderous roar" or "rumbling thunder", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, aim for descriptive contexts where sensory detail enhances the writing, and avoid overuse in technical settings that demand greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thunderous roar

Inverts the order of the original phrase, emphasizing the 'thunderous' quality as a primary attribute.

rumbling thunder

Replaces "roar" with "rumbling", focusing on a deeper, less sharp sound.

booming thunder

Substitutes "roar" with "booming", highlighting a resonant, echoing quality.

crashing thunder

Replaces "roar" with "crashing", emphasizing the abrupt, shattering sound.

peal of thunder

Uses "peal" to suggest a sequence of loud sounds, like bells.

clap of thunder

Focuses on a single, sharp burst of thunderous sound.

thunderclap

A single word that encapsulates a sudden burst of thunder.

storm's fury

Metaphorically represents the intense power of a storm, including thunder.

atmospheric disturbance

Describes the event in more scientific and neutral terms, referring to any significant disruption in the atmosphere.

audible resonance of storm

Focuses on the storm's sound effect, in a more technical and descriptive manner.

FAQs

What does "roar of thunder" describe?

The phrase "roar of thunder" vividly describes the loud, deep, rumbling sound produced by a thunderclap during a storm.

What is a good alternative to "roar of thunder"?

Alternatives include "rumbling thunder", "booming thunder", or "crashing thunder", depending on the specific auditory quality you want to emphasize.

Is "roar of thunder" a metaphor?

While "roar" can be used metaphorically to describe other loud sounds, in the phrase "roar of thunder", it's a direct description of the sound itself, not necessarily a metaphorical comparison.

How can I use "roar of thunder" in a sentence?

You might write: "As the storm raged, the "roar of thunder" shook the windows" or "The hikers were startled by the sudden "roar of thunder" overhead".