sweltering conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweltering conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to extremely hot and humid weather. For example, "The sweltering conditions made it hard to be outside for long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The Iraqi government responded to the sweltering conditions by closing all government offices.

The Guardian

According to the report many workers complained of sweltering conditions in summer and freezing factories in winter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was precisely where Runyan was spending time en route to beating five opponents in match play during sweltering conditions.

The New York Times - Sports

A number of players were hampered severely by cramps in the sweltering conditions in the Lahaina Civic Center.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have no choice but to help people in freezing conditions," he said, "which is why we're talking about it in sweltering conditions".

The New York Times

In November, Amnesty warned in a damning report that workers were enduring 12-hour days in sweltering conditions and living in squalid, overcrowded accommodation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Or the repurposed second-world-war tin shed used to detain people in sweltering, squalid conditions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Both sides persisted through the sweltering 90F conditions: even the referee cramped up in the 67th minute, requiring two minutes of treatment from the medical staff that offered a welcome refresher for the undermanned hosts.

The Guardian - Sport

Then, in sweltering, overcrowded conditions, he was ferried in an open railway truck across the straits of Messina to Reggio in Italy.

BBC

The conditions were sweltering, with hot lights overpowering the air-conditioning.

The New York Times - Sports

The sweltering, dusty conditions meant a lot of Abbott's photographs fell victim to "fogging and light leaks".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or situations affected by high heat and humidity, use "sweltering conditions" to convey the discomfort and potential challenges faced by individuals or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "sweltering conditions" in contexts where a neutral description of high temperature is needed. The phrase implies discomfort and oppressiveness, so it's unsuitable for purely scientific reports or positive scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sweltering conditions" is to act as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe environments or situations characterized by extreme heat and humidity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweltering conditions" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe environments characterized by intense heat and humidity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, where it serves to convey the discomfort and challenges associated with such weather. While generally neutral in register, it carries a connotation of oppressiveness, making it unsuitable for purely objective descriptions. Consider related phrases like "extreme heat" or "oppressive heat" for similar meanings, and avoid using it in situations where a neutral tone is required. Remember to consider the audience and context when using "sweltering conditions" to ensure the message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unbearable heat

Emphasizes the difficulty in tolerating the heat.

oppressive heat

Emphasizes the feeling of being weighed down by the heat.

scorching heat

Highlights the burning sensation caused by the heat.

extreme heat

Focuses on the intensity of the heat, omitting the humidity aspect.

blistering heat

Similar to scorching, but with a stronger emphasis on causing damage.

intense heat

A more general term for very high temperatures.

sultry weather

Describes the weather as hot and humid, often in a somewhat romanticized way.

heavy heat

Implies a dense, almost palpable heat.

extreme humidity

Focuses solely on the high moisture content in the air.

tropical heat

Links the heat to a specific geographical region known for such weather.

FAQs

How can I describe "sweltering conditions" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "extreme heat", "oppressive heat", or "scorching heat" to convey the same idea. The best choice depends on which aspect of the "heat" you want to emphasize.

What are some alternatives to "sweltering conditions" that emphasize humidity?

If you want to focus on the humidity, consider using terms like "extreme humidity" or "sultry weather". These phrases highlight the high moisture content in the air.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "sweltering conditions"?

It's appropriate to use "sweltering conditions" when describing situations where the heat and humidity are causing discomfort or difficulty. For example, "The workers struggled in the "sweltering conditions" of the factory".

Is there a difference between "sweltering conditions" and "hot weather"?

Yes. "Hot weather" is a general term for high temperatures, while "sweltering conditions" implies that the heat is uncomfortably high and often accompanied by humidity.