rolls of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rolls of thunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sound of thunder, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "As the storm approached, the sky darkened, and the rolls of thunder echoed across the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lightning heats the air it passes through so intensely and quickly that shock waves are produced; these shock waves are heard as claps and rolls of thunder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Birds were not singing, exactly, as they hopped in and out of the ruins of Heather Lane; the sound was more of an anxious muttering to the accompaniment of the spattering rain and bass-drum rolls of thunder.

The Guardian

Amid at times torrential rain and intermittent rolls of thunder on The Mall, there was more than a hint of Cooke's gold medal in the Olympic road race on the Great Wall of China in 2008, in the weather at least.

The Guardian - Sport

Loud rolls of thunder keep coming.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A great roll of thunder startled him.

Stanford University

The text is the long roll of thunder that follows".

The New Yorker

He had listened for Him in the roll of thunder and in the chirping of crickets.

Princeton University

A drum roll of thunder could be heard in the distance.

The New York Times

"The way Joyce conceived it, it should sound like a roll of thunder," Mr. Gross said.

The New York Times

Brahms's youthful, tumultuous concerto, symphonic in scope, opens with a dramatic roll of thunder from the timpani.

The New York Times - Arts

When, finally, I stumbled into the courtyard of Hongu Taisha that evening I was greeted by a deep roll of thunder so sonically low it seemed more imagined then real.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "rolls of thunder" in descriptive writing to enhance the atmosphere and evoke a sense of power and drama.

Common error

Avoid using "rolls of thunder" in contexts that don't involve actual thunderstorms or similar powerful, resonant sounds. Ensure the phrase aligns with the intended imagery and auditory experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rolls of thunder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It vividly describes the auditory phenomenon associated with thunderstorms. As per Ludwig's assessment, the phrase is correct and frequently employed in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rolls of thunder" is a grammatically correct and evocative noun phrase used to describe the continuous and resonant sound of thunder. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage in descriptive contexts. It functions to create a vivid auditory image, often in news, academic, and creative writing. While mainly neutral, it can lean towards formal in certain contexts. Related phrases like ""peals of thunder"" and ""booms of thunder"" offer similar imagery with slightly different emphasis on the sound's characteristics. Using the phrase effectively involves ensuring it aligns with contexts involving actual thunderstorms or similar resonant phenomena, avoiding misapplication in unrelated scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peals of thunder

Replaces "rolls" with "peals", emphasizing the loud, resonant quality of thunder.

booms of thunder

Substitutes "rolls" with "booms", focusing on the deep, resonant sound.

claps of thunder

Replaces "rolls" with "claps", highlighting the sharp, percussive nature of thunder.

rumbles of thunder

Changes "rolls" to "rumbles", suggesting a low, continuous sound.

sound of thunder rolling

Rephrases to emphasize the action of thunder rolling, focusing on the auditory experience.

thunderous roars

Uses "thunderous roars" to convey a powerful, sustained sound.

distant thunder

Focuses on the distance of the thunder sound, implying a muted or softer effect.

echoing thunder

Emphasizes the echoing quality of the thunder, suggesting spaciousness or reverberation.

waves of thunder

Uses "waves" to describe the continuous and rhythmic nature of the thunder.

reverberating thunder

Highlights the reverberating quality of thunder, suggesting resonance and depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "rolls of thunder" to describe the sound of a thunderstorm, such as, "As the storm intensified, the "rolls of thunder" echoed through the mountains".

What are some alternatives to "rolls of thunder"?

Alternatives include "peals of thunder", "booms of thunder", or "rumbles of thunder", depending on the specific sound you want to convey.

Is "rolls of thunder" a formal or informal expression?

"Rolls of thunder" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and style of the writing. It's suitable for descriptive narratives and evocative prose.

What does "rolls" refer to in "rolls of thunder"?

In "rolls of thunder", "rolls" refers to the extended, continuous sound of thunder, as if the sound is rolling or echoing across the sky.