through the air

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through the air" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moving or being transmitted in the atmosphere, often referring to flight or airborne communication. Example: "The drone flew gracefully through the air, capturing stunning aerial footage of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Three came through the air.

The New York Times

I fell through the air.

The New Yorker

Clonchik tumbled through the air.

The New Yorker

Birds flit through the air.

The New York Times - Arts

Debris fly through the air, he said.

The New York Times

Cellphones and handbags flew through the air.

The New York Times

These fish will glide through the air.

The New York Times - Arts

Ballroom chairs flew through the air.

The New York Times

He wriggled his hand through the air.

The New Yorker

Joyful excitement coursed through the air.

The New Yorker

Amplified music pulsed through the air.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "through the air" to vividly describe motion or transmission when you want to emphasize the medium through which something is moving or spreading. For example, "The scent of pine drifted through the air, creating a refreshing atmosphere."

Common error

Avoid using "through the air" when "in the air" or "on the air" would be more appropriate. "In the air" refers to a general state or presence, while "on the air" typically refers to broadcasting. For example, use "The tension was palpable in the air" instead of "through the air".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through the air" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying verbs to describe the manner or medium of movement or transmission. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "through the air" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe movement, transmission, or presence in the atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider context to ensure appropriate usage, distinguishing it from similar phrases like "in the air" or "on the air". The phrase effectively communicates motion or conveyance when the atmosphere is the relevant medium.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the atmosphere

Focuses on the location rather than the movement.

via the airwaves

Specifically refers to transmission of signals.

airborne

Describes the state of being carried by air.

in flight

Highlights the state of being airborne.

across the sky

Emphasizes visual movement in the open space above.

on the wind

Implies being carried by natural air currents.

by aerial route

Highlights a specific path or means of transport.

in the breeze

Suitable for light and gentle movement.

carried aloft

Describes something being lifted and transported by air.

via atmospheric transmission

A more technical and formal way to describe communication.

FAQs

How can I use "through the air" in a sentence?

Use "through the air" to describe movement or transmission occurring in the atmosphere. For example, "The birds soared gracefully "through the air"" or "The news spread "through the air" like wildfire".

What are some alternatives to "through the air"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in the atmosphere", "via the airwaves", or "airborne".

Is it correct to say "in the air" instead of "through the air"?

While both phrases are correct, they have different meanings. "In the air" generally describes a state or presence, whereas "through the air" describes movement or transmission. For example, "Excitement was in the air", not "Excitement was through the air".

When should I use "on the air" instead of "through the air"?

"On the air" is used specifically in the context of broadcasting, such as radio or television. For example, "The show will be "on the air" next week", not "The show will be through the air next week".