thundering down

USAGE SUMMARY

"thundering down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate something falling rapidly. For example, "The rain was thundering down from the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Description

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Wilkinson changed all that, to the point where big forwards thought twice about thundering down his channel.

The Guardian - Sport

Then every prejudice, pre-existing bias and partisan dislike will come thundering down on one side or the other, and it will not be a pretty sight.(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

"Many were the messages embedded in the skirmishing of the green roller blinds drawn up high, and many the ominous dispatches that I prudently left unopened in the rattling of the roll-up shutters that came thundering down at dusk".

The New Yorker

Watching the horses break out of the trees at the distant end of the track and then, in a surreal telescoping of time and distance, seeing them suddenly thundering down the home straight is exhilarating.

The Guardian - Sport

But this time the water really comes thundering down, and, throughout the movie, Petersen has a dynamic feel for the rush and heave of the deluge, the pent-up energy, the sheer heft and momentum.

The New Yorker

Photo: A swath of hillside came thundering down on a strip club and several apartment buildings early yesterday in the North Beach section of San Francisco, forcing about 120 residents from their homes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

At 12 20, the jet finally thundered down the runway.

The New York Times

The water thundered down on him, whirling, filling his eyes, his ears, his mouth, his nostrils.

The New Yorker

Del Potro's left knee is again heavily bandaged, but he thunders down a few practice serves.

The Guardian - Sport

July 28th: Thomas Adès's "The Exterminating Angel," an adaptation of the Luis Buñuel film, thundered down on the Salzburg Festival.

The New Yorker

Page E2 FEET STOMP AND ARMS TWIST As heels thundered down like gunshots, the curve of a graceful arm wound over N da Tirador's head.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thundering down" to vividly describe something moving downwards with great speed and force, often accompanied by a loud noise. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the impact or power of the movement.

Common error

Avoid using "thundering down" for gentle or quiet movements. The phrase implies significant force and noise, so reserve it for situations where those qualities are present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thundering down" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a dynamic descriptor to illustrate motion. It vividly depicts the action of something moving rapidly downwards, often with considerable force and accompanying noise. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing physical phenomena and actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sports

20%

General Description

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Travel

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thundering down" is a commonly used verb phrase that vividly describes a rapid and forceful descent. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions to create a strong image of both speed and impact. While versatile, it is most frequently encountered in news and sports contexts, and its use should be reserved for situations involving considerable force and noise. Alternative phrases such as "rushing down" or "plummeting down" can be used to convey similar but slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barreling down

Conveys a sense of uncontrolled momentum and force.

roaring down

Adds an element of loud noise and intensity to the descent.

rushing down

Emphasizes speed and movement but lacks the implication of force or impact.

crashing down

Implies a violent impact at the end of the descent.

plummeting down

Focuses on a steep, rapid fall, often from a great height.

surging down

Indicates a powerful and swelling movement downward.

cascading down

Suggests a flowing descent, like water over a waterfall.

sweeping down

Suggests a broad and encompassing downward movement.

speeding down

Highlights velocity but doesn't necessarily imply a downward direction or force.

descending rapidly

A more formal and literal way of expressing a quick downward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "thundering down" in a sentence?

You can use "thundering down" to describe something moving downwards with great speed, force, and often loud noise. For example, "The waterfall was "thundering down" the cliff face."

What does "thundering down" mean?

"Thundering down" means to move downwards rapidly and forcefully, often with a loud, resonant sound like thunder. It emphasizes both the speed and the impact of the movement.

What can I say instead of "thundering down"?

Alternatives include "rushing down", "plummeting down", or "barreling down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thundering down" formal or informal?

"Thundering down" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and news contexts. Its suitability may depend on the overall tone of the writing. It is not formal.