rolling thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

"rolling thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to thunder that rolls and echoes in the sky. Example: I could hear the distant rolling thunder while I watched the storm clouds gather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It sounded like rolling thunder.

The New York Times

"Now, it feels more like rolling thunder".

The New York Times

Distant, rolling thunder began a moment later.

The New York Times - Science

He used his rolling thunder voice to find acting work.

The New York Times - Books

There is McDonald, he of the rich, round, rolling thunder baritone and the Zeuslike countenance.

The New Yorker

White Privilege II is broiling, mutating agitprop, staged with strobes that mimic lightning and rolling thunder.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Only "Rolling Thunder" remains to be considered.

The New York Times

"Rolling Thunder is not going away," he said.

The Washington Post

"The only real solution is honesty," says Rolling Thunder.

The New York Times

In 1975, Levy effectively stage-managed Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue.

The Guardian

16. "Because Our Fathers Lied" Appendix 4: Chronological History of Rolling Thunder Notes Glossary Bibliography Index.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rolling thunder" to evoke a sense of powerful, continuous, and often overwhelming sound or force, whether literal (a storm) or metaphorical (a campaign, a voice).

Common error

Avoid using "rolling thunder" when a quiet or gentle sound is intended. The phrase implies a strong, continuous, and often overwhelming auditory or impactful experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolling thunder" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It evokes a vivid auditory image and can also be used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Music

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rolling thunder" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that vividly describes a powerful, continuous, and often overwhelming sound or force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, especially in news and media, arts, and music. While it is generally neutral in register, its metaphorical applications make it a potent and evocative phrase. When using "rolling thunder", consider the strong connotation it carries and avoid using it when a quiet or gentle sound is intended. Alternatives such as "booming sound", "resonant rumble", or "thunderous roar" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

booming sound

Focuses on the sound aspect, omitting the rolling characteristic.

resonant rumble

Emphasizes the deep, vibrating nature of the sound.

thunderous roar

Highlights the loudness and intensity of the thunder.

deep rumble

Focuses on the low-frequency aspect of the sound.

echoing boom

Highlights the echoing quality of the sound.

sustained thunder

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the thunder.

reverberating sound

Focuses on the sound bouncing off surfaces.

continuous rumble

Highlights the ongoing and uninterrupted nature of the rumble.

prolonged roar

Emphasizes the extended duration and loud nature of the roar.

distant thunder

Highlights the remoteness and faintness of the thunder.

FAQs

How can I use "rolling thunder" in a sentence?

You can use "rolling thunder" to describe a literal sound, such as "We could hear the "distant rolling thunder" as the storm approached", or metaphorically, such as "The company launched a "rolling thunder campaign" to promote their new product".

What does "rolling thunder" typically describe?

"Rolling thunder" typically describes a continuous, deep, and resonant sound, often associated with a thunderstorm. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that builds in intensity or has a powerful, ongoing effect.

What are some synonyms for "rolling thunder"?

Synonyms for "rolling thunder" include "booming sound", "resonant rumble", or "thunderous roar", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "rolling thunder" a formal or informal expression?

"Rolling thunder" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's suitable for news reports, creative writing, and even some business contexts when describing a strong, continuous effort, but avoid using it in more formal academic or business settings where a more specific or literal term is needed.