surreal atmosphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surreal atmosphere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an environment or setting that feels dreamlike, bizarre, or otherworldly, often evoking strong emotions or a sense of disorientation. Example: "The art installation created a surreal atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they had stepped into another dimension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The surreal atmosphere continued from there.

The New York Times - Sports

This game seems sure to have an unavoidably surreal atmosphere.

The New York Times

An eerie, almost surreal atmosphere hung over Congress today.

The New York Times

Sprayers from above sent out a swirl of dust-settling mist, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

The New York Times - Arts

Screech ing parrakeets, circling crows and the thick afternoon humidity added to the surreal atmosphere.

The Guardian - Travel

That disallowed goal has given this match a very surreal atmosphere.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

They help me create the surreal, dreamlike atmosphere I try to achieve".

Vice

A surreal, pregnant atmosphere settled over politics this weekend.

The New Yorker

The spot has been occupied without police interference, and the dread has given way to a surreal holiday atmosphere, including countless repetitions of the song "Katyusha" accompanied by acoustic guitar.

The New York Times

For all but the meeting of Spain and Japan in the men's competition – 37,726 attended that – the wisdom of hosting matches in such a surreal, empty atmosphere is worthy of question.

The Guardian - Sport

It was in this surreal, claustrophobic atmosphere that she experienced the famous nightmare that became the lurid plot of Frankenstein (she later recounted in the preface to the 1831 edition of her book), about a scientist who creates a creature from stolen body parts and infuses it with life.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene with a "surreal atmosphere", use sensory details to enhance the reader's experience. Focus on specific sights, sounds, and even smells that contribute to the feeling of unreality.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on generic adjectives like 'weird' or 'odd' to describe a "surreal atmosphere". Instead, use more vivid and imaginative language to capture the specific qualities that make the scene feel dreamlike or bizarre.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surreal atmosphere" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'surreal' modifies 'atmosphere'. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. The adjective 'surreal' describes the quality of the atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Sport

4%

Arts

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surreal atmosphere" effectively conveys a sense of unreality and is frequently used across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Its primary function is descriptive, aiming to paint a vivid picture of a scene or environment that defies logical expectations. While suitable for neutral contexts like news reporting, as seen across many examples in Ludwig, the phrase can also enrich literary and creative writing. When employing "surreal atmosphere", writers should focus on sensory details to enhance the reader's immersion and avoid relying on vague adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreamlike ambiance

Replaces 'surreal' with 'dreamlike' and 'atmosphere' with 'ambiance', emphasizing the dreamlike quality of the environment.

unreal environment

Substitutes 'surreal' with 'unreal' and 'atmosphere' with 'environment', highlighting the departure from reality.

bizarre setting

Replaces 'surreal' with 'bizarre' and 'atmosphere' with 'setting', focusing on the strangeness of the place.

strange vibe

Substitutes 'surreal' with 'strange' and 'atmosphere' with 'vibe', conveying an unusual feeling.

otherworldly environment

Replaces 'surreal' with 'otherworldly' emphasizing a sense of being not of this world and substitutes 'atmosphere' with 'environment'.

eerie feeling

Substitutes 'surreal' and 'atmosphere' with 'eerie feeling' concentrating on the unsettling nature of the place.

peculiar mood

Replaces 'surreal' with 'peculiar' and 'atmosphere' with 'mood', capturing an unusual emotional state.

fantastic aura

Replaces 'surreal' with 'fantastic' and 'atmosphere' with 'aura', highlighting the imaginative or fantastical quality.

unearthly air

Replaces 'surreal' with 'unearthly' and 'atmosphere' with 'air', suggesting a supernatural or unnatural quality.

dreamlike quality

Focuses on the resemblance to a dream, replacing 'atmosphere' with the more abstract 'quality'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "surreal atmosphere" in a sentence?

Use "surreal atmosphere" to depict environments that blur the line between reality and fantasy. For instance, "The carnival at night possessed a "surreal atmosphere", with its distorted mirrors and improbable games".

What are some synonyms for "surreal atmosphere"?

Alternatives include "dreamlike ambiance", "unreal environment", or "bizarre setting", each offering a slightly different nuance to the sense of unreality.

Is "surreal atmosphere" formal or informal?

"Surreal atmosphere" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and subject matter. It is suitable for descriptive writing in academic papers, news articles, and creative stories.

What distinguishes a "surreal atmosphere" from a 'strange atmosphere'?

While both describe unusual environments, "surreal atmosphere" implies a dreamlike or illogical quality, often evoking a sense of disorientation. A "strange atmosphere", on the other hand, simply suggests something unfamiliar or peculiar without necessarily being illogical.