turbulent ocean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turbulent ocean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sea that is rough, chaotic, or disturbed, often due to strong winds or storms. Example: "The ship struggled to navigate through the turbulent ocean, battling waves that towered over its deck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In his journal, he described the desert as "a barrier far worse than the most turbulent ocean".

The New Yorker

Lifeguards rushed into the water but were able to pull only Carla from the turbulent ocean swells.

The New York Times

The song's video, premiering on Guardian Australia, opens with Lesson crouched on charcoal-black rocks overlooking the foamy waves of a turbulent ocean.

The Guardian

Trees topple behind him, and in front of him is a dry, turbulent ocean of strewn paper, cans, cartons and dented masonry.

The Guardian

I followed it to a low perimeter wall, and grabbed onto a rock to steady myself before daring to gaze past a Celtic cross and far down to the turbulent ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

One of his best-known paintings of World War II was Totes Meer (1940 41; "Dead Sea"), in which he depicted a field of wrecked warplanes as turbulent ocean waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

India's climate, always complicated by the Himalayas on one side and turbulent oceans on the two others, has been particularly unreliable in recent years.

Independent

But there may be a way to cut drag force by almost 30%, according to computer simulations of turbulent ocean-water flows reported in the 19 May issue of Science by mechanical engineer Yiqing Du of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and applied mathematician George Karniadakis of Brown University.

Science Magazine

Search operations for possible debris from the downed Malaysia Airlines plane were suspended Thursday due to bad weather, Australian officials said, after the latest satellite images revealed 122 objects floating in the turbulent Indian Ocean.

Independent

Sadly, a turbulent winter ocean and swift currents rendered Forvik off limits, but I was luckily able to meet "Acting First Minister" Hill the following morning at a sparsely-populated community center café in Lerwick.

Vice

Sadly, a turbulent winter ocean and swift currents rendered Forvik off limits, but I was luckily able to meet "Acting First Minister" Hill the following morning at a sparsely-populated community centre café in Lerwick.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "turbulent ocean", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intensity and nature of the sea conditions you are describing. Alternatives like "rough sea" or "choppy waters" may be more appropriate for milder conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "turbulent ocean" to describe calm or mildly rough seas. This phrase implies significant disturbance and can be an overstatement in less severe situations. Ensure the phrase aligns with the actual conditions to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turbulent ocean" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'turbulent' modifies 'ocean'. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to vividly describe a rough or agitated sea.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turbulent ocean" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to illustrate a sea state characterized by roughness and agitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, this phrase conveys a vivid image of powerful and unstable marine conditions. When writing, ensure the term aligns with the intensity of the situation, opting for alternatives like "rough sea" or "choppy waters" for milder conditions. Its correct usage enhances the descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough sea

Focuses on the uneven surface of the sea, indicating less emphasis on the underlying forces.

stormy sea

Specifically implies the presence of a storm, adding the element of active weather disturbance.

choppy waters

Describes small, irregular waves, often implying a less severe condition than a "turbulent ocean".

agitated sea

Highlights the disturbance and restlessness of the sea, focusing on its state of being stirred up.

tempestuous sea

Suggests a violent storm and a highly disturbed sea, adding a sense of drama and intensity.

roiling ocean

Conveys a sense of churning and swirling motion, emphasizing the turbulent currents within the ocean.

heavy seas

Emphasizes the size and force of the waves, highlighting the challenging conditions at sea.

angry ocean

Personifies the ocean, suggesting a powerful and threatening force of nature.

white-capped waves

Describes the visual appearance of waves breaking and forming white foam, indicating windy conditions.

unsettled waters

Indicates a state of instability and disturbance, suggesting a temporary or changing condition.

FAQs

How can I use "turbulent ocean" in a sentence?

You can use "turbulent ocean" to describe a rough and agitated sea, such as "The small boat struggled against the "turbulent ocean" during the storm".

What's a good alternative to "turbulent ocean"?

Alternatives include "rough sea", "stormy sea", or "choppy waters" depending on the specific conditions you want to describe.

Is it more appropriate to say "turbulent sea" or "turbulent ocean"?

Both "turbulent sea" and "turbulent ocean" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the specific body of water being referenced; "ocean" implies a larger body of water.

What kind of imagery does "turbulent ocean" evoke?

The phrase "turbulent ocean" evokes imagery of a powerful, chaotic, and disturbed body of water, often associated with storms, strong winds, and dangerous conditions.