rough weather

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe difficult or stormy conditions such as rain, hail, or wind. For example, "We need to make sure to avoid driving in rough weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pretty rough weather off Tasmania, 150-mile-an-hour winds.

The New York Times - Travel

The rough weather hampered rescue efforts on Saturday.

The New York Times

Rough weather and high waves have hampered their work.

The New York Times

The Coast Guard's search was hampered by rough weather.

The New York Times

Various local news reports suggested that the ferry began its journey despite warnings of rough weather.

The New York Times

The rough weather seems to conspire with the violent landlord of Jamaica Inn.

The Guardian - Books

The crews endured rough weather, rugged terrain and confrontations with American Indians.

The New York Times - Tech

Early on in the trip we encountered a bit of rough weather on the Chesapeake.

The New York Times

Passengers on the most recent Atlantic crossing said the QM2 endured some rough weather.

The New York Times

The survey ship arrived at the port Friday evening, but rough weather delayed the barge's arrival.

The New York Times

But days of rough weather and poor underwater visibility hampered navy divers' efforts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific events or situations affected by weather, be precise about the type and severity of the "rough weather". For example, specify if it involves high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions.

Common error

While "rough weather" can be used metaphorically (e.g., "facing rough weather in the market"), avoid overusing it. Ensure the metaphor is clear and relevant; otherwise, opt for more direct and specific language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough weather" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "rough" is an adjective modifying the noun "weather". It describes a state of adverse or turbulent atmospheric conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough weather" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe adverse weather conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, science, and general contexts. When using "rough weather", remember to be specific about the type of weather you're describing and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Alternative phrases include "severe weather conditions" and "inclement weather", providing options for varying formality and emphasis. Its prevalence across various sources underscores its relevance and versatility in both descriptive and narrative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe weather conditions

Emphasizes the intensity and potential danger of the weather.

inclement weather

A more formal way of describing unpleasant or harsh weather.

adverse weather

Focuses on the negative impact or hindering effect of the weather.

stormy weather

Specifically refers to weather characterized by storms.

harsh weather conditions

Highlights the difficult or uncomfortable aspects of the weather.

bad weather

A simple and general term for unfavorable weather.

extreme weather

Highlights the unusual or record-breaking nature of the weather.

foul weather

An older term synonymous with unpleasant or disagreeable weather.

turbulent weather

Focuses on the instability and chaotic nature of the weather.

unfavorable weather conditions

A more technical or bureaucratic way to describe adverse weather.

FAQs

How can I use "rough weather" in a sentence?

You can use "rough weather" to describe adverse conditions. For instance, "The ship was delayed due to "rough weather"" or "The hikers were caught in "rough weather" on their ascent".

What's a more formal alternative to "rough weather"?

A more formal alternative to "rough weather" is "inclement weather". This phrase is often used in official reports or news articles.

Is it appropriate to use "rough weather" in business writing?

Yes, "rough weather" can be used in business writing, especially when describing market conditions or challenges. However, in those contexts, consider alternatives like "challenging circumstances" or "difficult times" for greater precision.

What kind of weather is considered "rough weather"?

"Rough weather" generally refers to conditions like storms, high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions. The defining characteristic is that it's unpleasant or dangerous.