storm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word storm is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a severe weather event (e.g. high wind, rain, snow, or thunderstorm) or a figurative tempest, such as a storm of emotions or a raging controversy. For example: A severe thunderstorm swept across the valley, bringing intense lightning and heavy rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I've worked multiple disasters, but I've never worked an ice storm with a forecast like this.

The Guardian

The cyclone has approached from the east after crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria from Queensland's Cape York Peninsula where it made landfall as a category four storm but caused minimal damage.

The Guardian

The governor's work leading New Jersey through the recovery from the storm, which damaged more than 360,000 homes and businesses, helped cement his national reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-driving governor willing to work closely with Democrats to get things done.

The Guardian

Lowe, unaware of the storm about to break above his head, reportedly turned to a friend and said "Damn!

The Guardian - Film

"The storm of airplanes will not stop," Abu Ghaith was heard warning in an October 2001 video that was played for the jury.

The Guardian

For me the lull before the storm was illustrated by the complacent attitude of the Federal Reserve's vice-chairman Stanley Fischer, in his question and answer session after the annual Per Jacobsson lecture – not least when he dismissed that great central banking veteran Paul Volcker's call for a more structured international financial system.

The Guardian

The Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, has admitted that this week's wave of arrests and corruption allegations have "unleashed a storm" but improbably called for "unity and team spirit" as he appealed for a fifth term of office.

The Guardian - Sport

Killing starfish is akin to swatting a locust storm with a butterfly net.

The Guardian

So, that was the year that was: storm, death, war, pestilence and some excellent baking.

The Guardian - Opinion

The storm sewer drains into a lake and rescue crews were using sonar and boats to search.

The Guardian

In Iowa, rescue crews were searching for 17-year-old Logan Blake, who was swept away in a Cedar Rapids storm drain Monday night.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "storm" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly establishes the connection to the intensity and disruptive nature of an actual storm. For example, a "storm" of controversy implies a sudden, forceful, and widespread dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "storm" to describe mild disagreements or minor inconveniences. Overusing the term dilutes its impact and weakens your writing. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve significant turmoil or disruption.

Linguistic Context

The word "storm" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a disturbed state of the atmosphere or a violent agitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "storm" is a versatile term with a wide range of applications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions as a noun, denoting a severe weather event or a state of significant unrest. Its usage spans from neutral reporting in news media to more expressive contexts in opinion pieces. While the word "storm" is generally considered grammatically correct and very common, it’s crucial to ensure that it is used appropriately, reserved for situations of genuine intensity. Related terms like "tempest" and "violent storm" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tempest

A more literary or dramatic synonym for a violent storm.

violent storm

Emphasizes the intensity and force of the weather event.

blizzard

Specifically refers to a snowstorm with strong winds.

hurricane

Describes a tropical cyclone with sustained winds.

cyclone

A system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure, with violent weather.

uproar

Refers to a state of violent disturbance and excitement, often figurative.

commotion

Suggests a noisy disturbance or turmoil.

outcry

Describes a strong expression of public disapproval or anger.

maelstrom

Implies a powerful and turbulent situation.

tumult

Conveys a sense of chaos and disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "storm" in a sentence?

You can use "storm" to describe a weather event, as in "The "hurricane" caused widespread damage", or figuratively, as in "The scandal unleashed a "wave of criticism".

What can I say instead of "storm"?

Alternatives include "tempest", "violent storm", "uproar", or "commotion", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "weather storm"?

While understandable, "weather storm" is redundant. "Storm" already implies a weather event.

What's the difference between "storm" and "blizzard"?

A "storm" is a general term for disturbed atmospheric conditions, while a "blizzard" is specifically a severe snowstorm with strong winds and reduced visibility.