sweltering hot

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweltering hot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a hot day that is particularly uncomfortable. Example sentence: It was sweltering hot in the apartment, so I opened the window for some relief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The room is sweltering hot and full of white plastic garden chairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Top tip: Texas can be sweltering hot so it's no wonder that the Barton Springs Pool in Zilker park is one of Austin's most popular attractions.

The Guardian - Travel

"It could be sweltering hot, we could have thunder and lightning and another war - and people would still go to the theatre".

The Guardian

7.44pm BST Adam Boult It's been a sweltering hot afternoon at Bestival, and the number of cases of visible sunburn has been steadily rising.

The Guardian - Music

As soon as his speech was over, the Heaps managed to beat a temporary retreat home (a top-floor flat near Judd Street) for "a much needed wash and cool off" on what was becoming "a sweltering hot day".

Independent

In the show he plays the part of Carroll, and on a sweltering hot day last week he was adjusting chains around his neck that will tie him to prison bars during one scene.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

We also (the adults in the room, that is) executed something of a citizens' arrest, as some Dufus-who-will-go-unnamed had come in for a pie and a pitcher, leaving his dog in a locked car in the pizzeria's sweltering-hot parking lot.

Huffington Post

On average, 1,500 out of some 22,000 scheduled airline flights a day were held up, leaving 100,000 passengers fuming in lounges or sweltering on the hot tarmac.

The Economist

(Given that the show is produced in and around Atlanta, we'll assume AMC will do all it can to avoid filming in the hot, sweltering, zombie-makeup-melting summer).

The New York Times

The school is sweltering on the hot summer day, since the air conditioning has broken down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweltering hot" to vividly describe weather or environments where the heat is not only high but also creates a sense of discomfort and oppression. It is particularly effective in setting a scene or conveying a character's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "sweltering hot" when simply stating a temperature. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the unpleasantness of the heat, not just its numerical value. Saying "It's 35 degrees Celsius and sweltering hot" is redundant; choose one or the other for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweltering hot" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies nouns, typically describing weather or environments, to convey a sense of intense and uncomfortable heat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweltering hot" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that vividly describes intensely uncomfortable heat. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Primarily found in News & Media, it effectively communicates the unpleasantness of high temperatures, making it a useful expression for setting scenes or describing experiences. When using it, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider alternative phrases like "scorching hot" or "stifling hot" for stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scorching hot

Uses a different adjective to convey the intensity of the heat, implying a burning sensation.

blisteringly hot

Emphasizes the severity of the heat, suggesting that it could cause blisters.

sizzling hot

Uses a more vivid adjective suggesting a frying or cooking sensation due to the heat.

extremely hot

Replaces "sweltering" with a more general adjective, reducing the intensity of the heat described.

stifling hot

Focuses on the lack of air movement, making the heat feel trapped and suffocating.

oppressively hot

Emphasizes the heavy, stifling nature of the heat.

unbearably hot

Highlights the discomfort caused by the heat, emphasizing its oppressiveness.

fiercely hot

Suggests a powerful, almost violent, heat.

intensely hot

Focuses on the high degree of heat, using a more formal tone.

like an oven

Uses a simile to compare the heat to the inside of an oven, highlighting its intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "sweltering hot" in a sentence?

You can use "sweltering hot" to describe weather conditions or environments. For example, "The room was "sweltering hot" and stuffy" or "It was a "sweltering hot" day at the beach".

What are some alternatives to "sweltering hot"?

Alternatives include "scorching hot", "blisteringly hot", or "unbearably hot", each conveying a slightly different nuance of intense heat.

Is "sweltering hot" an overused phrase?

While "sweltering hot" is a common phrase, it effectively communicates intense and uncomfortable heat. Using it appropriately can vividly convey the experience, but consider alternatives like "stifling hot" or "oppressively hot" to add variety to your writing.

What's the difference between "sweltering hot" and "hot"?

"Hot" is a general term for high temperatures. "Sweltering hot" implies not just high heat, but also an unpleasant, stifling quality that makes the heat feel oppressive and uncomfortable. It conveys a more intense and negative experience of heat than simply saying "hot".