storms

USAGE SUMMARY

"storms" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a violent bout of weather characterized by strong winds, thunder, lightning, and sometimes rain or hail, or it can also be used figuratively to describe a tumultuous situation. Example sentence: The company had gone through several storms before finally emerging as a successful enterprise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grenada, it seems, is no stranger to storms - political, natural, or in our case, domestic.

The Guardian - Travel

The study did say that storms, starfish attacks and coral bleaching were responsible for the dramatic loss of coral cover on the reef.

The Guardian

Weekend storms dumped as much as 9in of rain.

The Guardian

Mrs Johnson storms to the PTA meeting, proceeding to expose their own misbehaviour and deeming them "all Harper Valley hypocrites".

The Guardian

The highest chance of tornadoes Wednesday extended from the Kansas-Oklahoma border south of Wichita, Kansas, to the St Louis area – with storms forming in the afternoon and early evening.

The Guardian

You can really blow up some big storms," said Greg Carbin, the warning coordination meteorologist at the Oklahoma-based Storm Prediction Center.

The Guardian

On Thursday, similar storms were forecast for an area from the Arkansas-Missouri border to southern Wisconsin to central Indiana.

The Guardian

Bushfires are at their most perilous in the southern state of Victoria during the high summer months of January and February, when the vast forests and farmlands are dry and stretch out in wait, over thousands of kilometres, for the inevitable lightning showers and wind storms.

The Guardian

If our further investigation into the performance of UKPN and SSE during the 2013 Christmas storms suggests that these companies have breached their licence conditions, we will undertake enforcement action that could result in a financial penalty," she added.

The Guardian - Business

We've weathered several storms but it's not about huge drama any more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1926, he joined the Aéropostale service, and between then and his marriage in April 1931, he survived spectacular crashes, desert storms, rebel attacks and pioneered the airline route from Buenos Aires to Patagonia, all of which provided material for his 1938 collection of newspaper articles, Wind, Sand and Stars.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active voice to make your writing more direct and impactful when describing "storms" and their effects: "The storm damaged the coastline" is stronger than "The coastline was damaged by the storm".

Common error

Avoid using "storms" as a catch-all term for any difficulty. Be precise about the nature of the challenge, whether it's a financial crisis, personal setback, or political turmoil.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "storms" is as a plural noun, typically referring to multiple instances of severe weather events. However, "storms" can also function as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "storm", indicating a forceful or angry action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "storms" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to severe weather events, but can also be used figuratively to describe periods of intense difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. When using "storms", be specific about the type and location to provide clear context. Avoid vague usage and consider the register when using it figuratively. Related phrases include "severe weather events" and "turbulent conditions". Overall, "storms" is a versatile term for both literal and metaphorical applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tempestuous weather

Emphasizes the wild, agitated quality of the weather.

extreme weather

Highlights the intensity and unusual nature of the weather conditions.

severe weather events

Refers specifically to the weather aspect, highlighting intensity but less evocative.

turbulent conditions

Shifts focus from weather to a broader state of disturbance or chaos.

inclement weather

General term for unpleasant or severe weather, less dramatic than storms.

severe gales

Focuses on strong winds as the defining characteristic, omitting other elements like rain or lightning.

violent disturbances

Broader application, can refer to either physical or emotional/social upheaval.

natural disasters

Wider context, encompasses events not necessarily weather-related.

periods of upheaval

Figurative use, focusing on dramatic change and disruption.

heavy precipitation

Highlights the water component of a storm, excluding wind or lightning.

FAQs

How can I use "storms" in a sentence?

You can use "storms" to describe severe weather events, such as "The coastal city prepared for the upcoming "hurricane"", or figuratively to refer to periods of turmoil or difficulty, like "The company weathered several economic "crises"".

What are some synonyms for "storms" in the context of weather?

In the context of weather, synonyms for "storms" include "tempests", "hurricanes", "typhoons", and "cyclones", depending on the geographic location and intensity of the weather event.

How does the meaning of "storms" change when used figuratively?

When used figuratively, "storms" can refer to periods of intense difficulty, conflict, or upheaval. For example, you might say a relationship is going through "a stormy period" or a company is facing "economic storms".

Is it appropriate to use "storms" in formal writing?

Yes, "storms" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing factual events or scientific phenomena. However, when using it figuratively, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.