rumble of thunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'rumble of thunder' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a thunderstorm, to create a vivid image of what is happening. For example, "The wind howled through the trees as a rumble of thunder echoed across the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

There was a distant rumble of thunder.

The New Yorker

A rumble of thunder, a satisfying blast of lightning.

The New Yorker

27 min: Above the stadium, the rumble of thunder.

The Guardian - Sport

Then a slow rumble of thunder, followed by a deafening clap.

The Guardian - Travel

A rumble of thunder and large spots of rain broke up the fight.

The Guardian - Travel

Around half past 2, I heard a rumble of thunder and saw raindrops falling outside.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

As for those clichés: it rains heavily much of the time, and rumbles of thunder signal the devil's proximity.

The New York Times

But despite these ominous portents, politics remains in the background like rumbles of thunder from an approaching storm that never arrives.

The New York Times

After Sampras's entrance on center court, the leaden sky, the fading twilight and the rumbles of thunder would provide the perfect props for his darkening mood.

The New York Times - Sports

And with those ominous rumbles of thunder punctuating the show, you don't have to look hard to see a timely metaphor for an economic boom gone bust.

The New York Times

In the afternoon, teasing rumbles of thunder pass overhead, but no rain follows, so we press on; passing beneath boughs of unripened bana-nas that hang from the palms and blushing heliconia flowers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "rumble of thunder" to create a sense of foreboding or to emphasize the power of nature in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "rumble of thunder" metaphorically in contexts where it doesn't logically fit. Overusing it can weaken its impact; reserve it for situations genuinely evocative of a thunderstorm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rumble of thunder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and commonly used in descriptions. It vividly describes a sound associated with thunderstorms, providing sensory detail in narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rumble of thunder" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, mainly within the realm of news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively evokes the auditory sensation associated with thunderstorms. While variations like "peal of thunder" or "roll of thunder" exist, "rumble of thunder" remains a standard choice for its descriptive power and atmospheric impact. Remember to use it where it logically fits to avoid diminishing its effect. Its pervasive presence in authoritative sources underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peal of thunder

Focuses more on the resounding quality of the thunder.

roll of thunder

Emphasizes the continuous, prolonged nature of the sound.

distant thunder

Highlights the remoteness of the storm.

booming thunder

Focuses on the loud, resonant quality of the thunder.

cracking thunder

Describes a sharp, sudden sound of thunder.

clap of thunder

Highlights the suddenness and sharpness of the thunder.

murmur of thunder

Emphasizes a quieter, more subdued sound.

growl of thunder

Suggests a low, menacing sound.

thundering sound

Uses an adjectival form to describe the thunder.

atmospheric disturbance

A broader term that encompasses thunder and related weather events.

FAQs

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

You can use "rumble of thunder" to describe an approaching storm, as in "A "rumble of thunder" signaled the storm's arrival", or to set a dramatic scene.

What can I say instead of "rumble of thunder"?

Alternatives include "peal of thunder", "roll of thunder", or "distant thunder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a thunder rumble"?

While grammatically understandable, "a thunder rumble" is less common and less idiomatic than ""rumble of thunder"". The latter is the more established and widely recognized phrase.

What does the "rumble" in "rumble of thunder" refer to?

The "rumble" refers to the low, continuous, and resonant sound that often precedes or accompanies a louder clap of thunder. It's caused by the sound waves traveling through the air and echoing.