stifling heat

USAGE SUMMARY

"stifling heat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe extremely hot and uncomfortable weather conditions. Example: The city was hit with stifling heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Behind his booming serve, Edmondson pulled off an unlikely four-set victory in stifling heat.

The New York Times - Sports

Ominous clouds swollen by stifling heat rolled across north Florida's parched Apalachicola National Forest.

The Economist

The Granite Mountain Hotshots went to fight it, marching into the hills in stifling heat.

The New York Times

Tom and his comrades spent five weeks confined on a steamship in stifling heat.

The New York Times

The United States played in stifling heat in Montpellier, France, without center Paul Emerick.

The New York Times

They work in the pouring rain, stifling heat and freezing cold.

The New York Times

The sprawling Northern Territory offers nature like nowhere else – birdlife, waterfalls, stifling heat and, of course, huge crocs.

Independent

The scientists live in a crowded bunkhouse with little privacy and personal space, hungry bugs and stifling heat.

Independent

The interviews detail nightmarish scenarios: stifling heat, relentless storms and mass extinctions are soon to arrive, we're told.

The New York Times

The computers on the first-floor lab were too old to support the latest software, but could new machines survive in stifling heat?

The New York Times

Perhaps his tensest moment came on June 11 , 1963 when he confronted George C. Wallace in stifling heat on the steps of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "stifling heat" to create a sense of tension or foreshadowing, reflecting characters' internal struggles or impending events.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "stifling heat" to depict hot weather. Instead, vary your descriptions by incorporating related phrases or focusing on the effects of the heat on characters and the environment. Consider sensory details beyond temperature, such as smells, sounds, and textures, to paint a richer picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stifling heat" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, characterizing the intensity and unpleasantness of high temperatures. Ludwig AI validates the phrase, confirming its common and acceptable usage in diverse writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stifling heat" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict intensely uncomfortable and oppressive high temperatures. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is validated and appropriate across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it effectively conveys discomfort and can enhance descriptive writing. While powerful, overuse should be avoided by incorporating varied vocabulary and sensory details to enrich the reader's experience. Remember to consider related phrases like "oppressive heat" or "sweltering heat" for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oppressive heat

Emphasizes the heavy, burdensome nature of the heat.

sweltering heat

Focuses on the sensation of being uncomfortably hot and sweaty.

scorching heat

Highlights the intensity and burning quality of the heat.

unbearable heat

Stresses the difficulty in tolerating the high temperatures.

sultry heat

Suggests a heavy, humid, and often sexually charged atmosphere.

stagnant heat

Implies a lack of air movement, making the heat feel even more intense.

heavy heat

Conveys the palpable weight and intensity of the heat.

close heat

Describes heat that feels confined and lacking ventilation.

suffocating heat

Emphasizes the difficulty in breathing due to the intense heat.

humid heat

Highlights the presence of high levels of moisture in the air, exacerbating the feeling of heat.

FAQs

How can I use "stifling heat" in a sentence?

"Stifling heat" can be used to describe weather conditions. For example: "The workers labored under the "stifling heat", their shirts soaked with sweat."

What are some alternatives to "stifling heat"?

You can use alternatives like "oppressive heat", "sweltering heat", or "scorching heat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stifling heat" a formal or informal expression?

"Stifling heat" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the overall tone and style of your writing rather than the setting.

Can "stifling heat" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used to describe literal heat, "stifling heat" can metaphorically represent an oppressive or restrictive environment. For instance, "The "stifling heat" of tradition held the community back from progress."