rough atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment or situation that is tense, uncomfortable, or hostile. Example: "The rough atmosphere in the meeting made it difficult for anyone to voice their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The rough atmosphere is intensely sympathetic; the movie may be prophetic as well.

The New Yorker

Whereas hockey is still well known elsewhere in the world for its rough atmosphere, the game was introduced as a family-friendly outing with no tolerance to fan violence.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"People who want a rougher atmosphere end up living elsewhere," he added.

The New York Times

Iranian law prohibits women from entering sports stadia, lest they be contaminated by the rough male atmosphere and swearing.

Independent

But Oilers fans by then were seething, and a rough, circuslike atmosphere quickly enveloped the 6-foot-6 defenseman.

Los Angeles Times

A shipyard-schematic backdrop underscores the rough-hewed atmosphere, as do twin scaffolds where Davy and Geordie lunch, high above the 300-acre factory premises.

The New York Times

There was a rough and ready atmosphere that the orchestra had to outgrow".

The New York Times

They are crude and rough, like the atmosphere Shakespeare creates between the lines of his play.

The New York Times

Fitted out with a new roof but otherwise left largely a ruin awaiting further renovations (which have since taken place), it provided an ideally rough and rugged atmosphere for Mr. Goebbels's sonic blast.

The New York Times - Arts

Her father was a cook in a lumber camp, and she grew up in a rough-and-tumble atmosphere.

The New Yorker

It's not often that the typically rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the comedy stage softens enough to allow such moments of delicate human tenderness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "rough atmosphere", be specific about the factors contributing to it. Is it tension, hostility, or something else? This specificity makes your writing more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "rough atmosphere" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct language, such as "tense" or "uncomfortable", unless you specifically want to emphasize a harsh or unwelcoming feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough atmosphere" functions as a noun phrase where "rough" modifies the noun "atmosphere". It describes the prevailing mood or feeling in a particular place or situation, often characterized by tension or hostility, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough atmosphere" effectively conveys a sense of tension or discomfort in a given environment. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "tense environment" or "hostile setting" may sometimes be more appropriate, depending on the specific nuance intended, "rough atmosphere" provides a versatile and recognizable way to describe an unpleasant or challenging situation. Remember to use it with specificity, clarifying what contributes to the perceived "roughness" of the atmosphere to maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charged atmosphere

Highlights the presence of tension and anticipation.

tense environment

Focuses on the tension present in the environment.

heated situation

Emphasizes the intensity and passion involved.

hostile setting

Emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the environment.

uncomfortable environment

Focuses on the discomfort felt in the environment.

unpleasant ambiance

Highlights the disagreeable quality of the atmosphere.

volatile environment

Focuses on the risk of sudden and dramatic changes.

turbulent climate

Emphasizes the instability and agitation of the situation.

stormy environment

Conveys a sense of impending conflict or crisis.

difficult situation

Shifts the focus to the challenging nature of the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I describe a tense environment other than using "rough atmosphere"?

You can use alternatives like "tense environment", "hostile setting", or "uncomfortable environment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rough atmosphere" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "rough atmosphere" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing situations involving tension or conflict. However, ensure the tone and context align with the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "rough atmosphere" and "charged atmosphere"?

"Rough atmosphere" suggests a more unpleasant or unwelcoming environment, while "charged atmosphere" implies a heightened emotional state, possibly filled with anticipation or excitement, not necessarily negative.

How to use "rough atmosphere" in a sentence?

You can use "rough atmosphere" to describe a variety of environments. For instance, "The meeting had a rough atmosphere due to the ongoing disagreements" or "The boxing match created a rough atmosphere in the stadium".