stormy seas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stormy seas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe difficult or turbulent situations in life or work. Example: "The company faced stormy seas during the economic downturn, but they managed to navigate through it successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But these are still stormy seas.

The Economist

Even so, we are still in economically stormy seas.

The New York Times

HF-3087 was a clipper ship on stormy seas.

The New Yorker

They will also be aware that they are taking the helm in stormy seas.

The Economist

The ice-choked and stormy seas around Antarctica long hindered exploration by wooden-hulled ships.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a week of stormy seas, they arrived at the deserted Elephant Island.

The New York Times

And continues: For a long time they rode the stormy seas.

The New Yorker

The stormy seas had turned some normally reliable freshwater sources brackish.

The New York Times - Travel

In short, the government's Syrian policy is like a rudderless ship adrift in stormy seas.

The Guardian

The next morning tidelines were littered with huge, waterlogged trees, washed up by the stormy seas.

The Guardian - Travel

AIPAC is a fish out of water in the stormy seas of the Obama administration.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stormy seas" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the challenging or turbulent situation being described.

Common error

Avoid using "stormy seas" in contexts where literal calm waters are expected, as it primarily denotes turbulence or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stormy seas" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state of the ocean characterized by high winds and rough waves. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also be used metaphorically to represent challenging or turbulent situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stormy seas" is a versatile term, widely employed both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a noun phrase, primarily to evoke feelings of difficulty or danger, whether referring to actual rough waters or challenging life situations. Its usage spans from neutral news reports to more formal literary contexts. Alternatives such as "rough waters" or "turbulent times" offer similar connotations, but "stormy seas" provides a particularly vivid image of struggle and resilience. When writing, it's key to ensure the context aligns with this sense of hardship or instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough waters

Replaces "seas" with "waters", maintaining the imagery of a difficult or turbulent situation.

turbulent times

Shifts the focus from a literal sea to a more abstract concept of difficult periods.

tempestuous oceans

Replaces "stormy" with "tempestuous" and "seas" with "oceans", emphasizing the intensity and scale of the disturbance.

troubled waters

Replaces "stormy" with "troubled", suggesting a sense of unease and difficulty.

heavy seas

Focuses on the size and power of the waves, implying a challenging environment.

violent squalls

Highlights the sudden and intense nature of the storms.

choppy waters

Describes the uneven and disturbed surface of the water, suggesting instability.

raging tides

Emphasizes the powerful and uncontrolled movement of the water.

perilous voyages

Shifts the focus to the dangerous nature of sea journeys during such conditions.

arduous navigation

Highlights the difficulty in steering and maneuvering through challenging maritime conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "stormy seas" in a sentence?

You can use "stormy seas" to describe literal rough ocean conditions or metaphorically to refer to difficult times. For example, "The small boat struggled in the "stormy seas"" or "The company faced "stormy seas" during the recession".

What are some alternatives to "stormy seas"?

Alternatives include "rough waters", "turbulent times", or "troubled waters", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to use "stormy seas" to describe financial difficulties?

Yes, "stormy seas" is often used metaphorically to describe financial difficulties or economic downturns. It suggests a period of instability and challenge.

What's the difference between "stormy seas" and "calm waters"?

"Stormy seas" refers to turbulent and rough ocean conditions or, metaphorically, difficult times. In contrast, "calm waters" refers to peaceful and smooth ocean conditions or, metaphorically, a period of ease and stability.