stormy weather

USAGE SUMMARY

"stormy weather" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example: We had to cancel our weekend camping trip because of the stormy weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Stormy weather, troubled waters.

The Guardian - Film

"Stormy Weather, perhaps?

The Guardian - Sport

STORMY weather ahead?

The New York Times

It was very stormy weather.

The New York Times

Let's use 'group,' " he said, over strains of "Stormy Weather".

The New Yorker

The television commercials are replete with stormy weather.

The New York Times

Remember, "wuthering" is a Yorkshire word for stormy weather.

The Guardian - Travel

It was the season when Ivy Anderson sang Stormy Weather.

The Guardian - Books

Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather changed all that.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ignore Stormy Weather--any day can be washday with an automatic gas clothes dryer.

Duke University

"High probability of good droneship landing in non-stormy weather," he wrote.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stormy weather" figuratively, ensure the context clearly relates to turmoil or difficulty. For example, "The company faced stormy weather after the scandal broke."

Common error

Avoid using "stormy weather" in contexts that are simply describing mild inconvenience or minor challenges. Reserve it for situations involving significant disruption or distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stormy weather" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "stormy" modifies "weather". It describes a state of adverse atmospheric conditions, often implying difficulty or turbulence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and accepted phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stormy weather" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe adverse conditions literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "rough weather" or "turbulent times" exist, "stormy weather" remains a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough weather

Focuses on the unpleasant and challenging aspect of the weather.

inclement weather

Emphasizes the harsh and unfavorable nature of the weather.

severe weather

Highlights the intensity and potential danger of the weather conditions.

turbulent weather

Describes weather marked by instability and disturbance.

tempestuous weather

Emphasizes the violence and force of the weather.

adverse weather conditions

Focuses on the negative impact and challenges posed by the weather.

foul weather

Indicates unpleasant and disagreeable weather.

wild weather

Implies chaotic and unpredictable weather patterns.

extreme weather

Highlights weather conditions that are significantly outside the norm.

unsettled weather

Suggests weather that is variable and likely to change.

FAQs

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

"Stormy weather" can be used literally to describe severe weather conditions or figuratively to represent a period of difficulty or turmoil. For example, "The ship struggled through the stormy weather" or "The project encountered stormy weather due to budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "stormy weather"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rough weather", "inclement weather", or "turbulent times".

Is it appropriate to use "stormy weather" in formal writing?

Yes, "stormy weather" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when used metaphorically to describe challenging situations in business, politics, or other serious contexts. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register.

Can "stormy weather" refer to emotional or personal difficulties?

Yes, "stormy weather" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional or personal difficulties. For instance, you might say someone is "going through a period of stormy weather" to indicate they are facing personal challenges.