stormy sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stormy sky" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe the weather or the atmosphere in a scene. Here is an example: "The sun disappeared behind the dark clouds, casting an eerie light over the stormy sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The handling of the stormy sky is superb.

The New York Times - Arts

"The best remedy for the stormy sky is a curtain," he said.

The New Yorker

With a stormy sky, they turned black and spindly, like shot nerve endings.

The New York Times

But that is a pale light in a bleak and stormy sky.

The Economist

Slightly mottled, like the color of a stormy sky, these slabs are attractive and plentiful.

The New York Times

It shows the Moyes banner – "The Chosen One" – amid a stormy sky and a Scottish voice sounding close to disgusted.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The bum luck of the stormy skies.

The New York Times

A crew of fisherman battling churning waves under stormy skies.

The New York Times - Travel

With the stormy skies, we were buried in clouds.

The New York Times - Travel

Movies sometimes seem made for misery, for rivers of tears, stormy skies and third-act woe.

The New York Times

Had they read Wilbur Smith, where women were taken by force under stormy skies?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stormy sky" to create a sense of foreboding or dramatic tension in your writing. Consider using it metaphorically to represent inner turmoil or challenging situations.

Common error

While "stormy sky" is a vivid image, avoid using it excessively. Opt for more nuanced descriptions of weather and atmosphere to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive and predictable. For example, try "darkening sky" or "turbulent sky" depending on what you would like to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stormy sky" primarily functions as an adjective-noun combination. It modifies a noun (sky) with an adjective (stormy), providing descriptive detail about the atmospheric conditions. Ludwig and its examples validate this categorization, showing its use to vividly depict weather and atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stormy sky" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict turbulent atmospheric conditions, often carrying metaphorical weight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used to evoke drama and tension across various writing contexts, most notably in news and media, as well as arts and literature. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it, opting instead for more nuanced alternatives such as "tempestuous sky" or "threatening sky" when appropriate. This ensures your writing remains fresh and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tempestuous sky

Emphasizes the turbulent and violent nature of the storm.

Turbulent sky

Emphasizes the instability and chaotic nature of the atmosphere.

Ominous sky

Suggests something bad is about to happen.

Threatening sky

Conveys a sense of impending danger or unease.

Menacing sky

Similar to threatening, but with a stronger sense of malice.

Brooding sky

Suggests a heavy, ominous atmosphere.

Thunderous sky

Focuses on the presence of thunder and lightning.

Darkening sky

Highlights the increasing darkness and potential for a storm.

Overcast sky

Focuses on the cloud cover and lack of sunlight.

Cloudy sky

A more general term indicating the presence of clouds, potentially leading to a storm.

FAQs

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

You can use "stormy sky" to describe a literal weather condition, as in "The ship struggled against the waves under a stormy sky". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "Her future seemed uncertain, like navigating life under a stormy sky".

What are some alternatives to "stormy sky"?

Some alternatives include "tempestuous sky", "threatening sky", or "overcast sky", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sky is stormy" instead of "stormy sky"?

While grammatically correct, "a sky is stormy" is less common and may sound less natural than "stormy sky". The phrase "stormy sky" functions as a compound adjective describing the sky.

What does a "stormy sky" symbolize in literature?

A "stormy sky" often symbolizes turmoil, conflict, or impending doom. It can also represent a character's inner struggles or a challenging situation they are facing.