snowdrifts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "snowdrifts" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe large piles of snow that have been blown together by the wind. Example: "The children built a fort in the snowdrifts behind their house." Alternative expressions include "snow piles" and "snowbanks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I'm in dire need of some humidity, I think I'll go to the station's hydroponic greenhouse to suck down some deliciously wet air.The two previous, less luxurious incarnations of the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station were slowly buried under snowdrifts as the years passed.

The Economist

Eventually, over a period of about 15 years, snowdrifts will build up.

The Economist

Willow clumps less than 60 cm (about 24 inches) tall are common in the krummholz (a transitional zone of scattered clusters of stunted trees) and beyond, where snowdrifts are extensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During winter, when snowdrifts could reach six feet (two metres) or more, most village families lived in semisubterranean earth-covered lodges, usually one family to a lodge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The animals, mostly sheep, were entombed when snowdrifts up to 20 feet high blanketed many high-lying fields.

Independent

Always take the weather with you Maggie O'Farrell, who won the Costa Novel Award earlier this week, for The Hand That First Held Mine, revealed that the weather, or more specifically, freakish meteorological occurrences – and the way they impact on life, from snowdrifts in Edinburgh to volcanic ash clouds in Iceland – have provided the inspiration for her sixth novel, a work in progress.

Independent

Deep snowdrifts prevented the movement of coal – the nation's primary power source – from reaching gasworks, power stations, factories and homes.

Independent

Money would pile up like snowdrifts on the sidewalks if many of them weren't heated.

Independent

Edmund King, the AA's president, also found himself stuck in snowdrifts in Basingstoke.

Independent

With up to two feet of snow having been dumped in less than 24 hours, the city was turned into a winter playground – although for those who did want to travel, there was chaos, with airports closed, thousands of flights cancelled and buses trapped in snowdrifts.

Independent

To be in good physical condition is to have the ability to swim a mile to save one's life or to slog home through snowdrifts when a car breaks down in a storm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about winter landscapes or the effects of snowstorms, use "snowdrifts" to vividly describe large, wind-formed accumulations of snow. This adds a layer of detail that general terms like "snow" may lack.

Common error

Avoid using "snowdrifts" to describe any accumulation of snow. The term specifically refers to snow piled up by wind action. If the snow has simply fallen and accumulated without wind, use more general terms like "snow piles" or "snowbanks" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "snowdrifts" is as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to multiple accumulations of snow formed by wind. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in sentences, describing a physical element of a winter landscape. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "snowdrifts" is a grammatically correct and very common plural noun that vividly describes wind-formed accumulations of snow. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently used in news, media and encyclopedias. It generally maintains a neutral register. To avoid misuse, remember that "snowdrifts" specifically refers to snow piled up by wind, distinguishing it from general snow accumulations. Considering alternatives such as "snow piles", "snow banks", or "wind-blown snow" allows for nuanced descriptions of winter landscapes. According to Ludwig's analysis, using "snowdrifts" effectively enhances the descriptive quality of writing related to winter weather and its effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snow piles

Focuses on the accumulated aspect of snow, without necessarily implying wind action.

snow heaps

Similar to snow piles, but may suggest a more disorganized or random accumulation.

wind-blown snow

Emphasizes the action of the wind in creating the snow accumulation.

accumulated snow

A more general term for snow that has gathered together, without specifying the cause.

drifting snow

Describes snow that is actively being moved by the wind, rather than a static accumulation.

snow banks

Often refers to the piles of snow along roadsides created by plows, but can also describe natural accumulations.

massive snow accumulations

Highlights the large quantity of snow that has gathered.

deep snow cover

Refers to a general layer of deep snow, rather than specific piles.

winter drifts

A broader term referencing accumulations during the winter season.

snow formations

Highlights the shapes and structures created by accumulated snow.

FAQs

What is the definition of "snowdrifts"?

Snowdrifts are large piles of snow formed by wind action, typically accumulating in areas where the wind is obstructed, such as against buildings or fences.

How do I use "snowdrifts" in a sentence?

You can use "snowdrifts" to describe winter landscapes, the impact of snowstorms, or obstacles caused by snow accumulation. For example, "The road was impassable due to high snowdrifts."

What are some synonyms for "snowdrifts"?

Alternatives include "snow piles", "snow banks", or "wind-blown snow", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What is the difference between "snowdrifts" and "snow banks"?

"Snowdrifts" are naturally formed by wind, while "snow banks" are often created artificially, such as by snowplows clearing roads.