typhoons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "typhoons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of tropical cyclone, particularly in the Northwest Pacific region. Example: "The typhoons that hit the Philippines each year can cause significant damage to infrastructure and homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The kingdom is also an important player in BAE's immediate post-EADS future because shareholders are hoping to receive the proceeds – an estimated £600m – from the renegotiation of a Saudi contract for 72 Typhoons.

The Guardian - Business

Investors and market analysts are hoping that BAE will soften the blow of the EADS failure, and buy the firm's management more time, by returning the proceeds from a renegotiation of a Saudi contract for 72 Typhoons.

The Guardian - Business

The Saudis, the UK's largest arms customer, have bought 72 Typhoons, and the Omanis 12 in a deal backed by a UK government guaranteed loan of £2bn.

The Guardian

Gulf states may soon realise that they don't actually need the Typhoons – what they may need more urgently are weapons for use in internal repression... Sarah Waldron, of CAAT, the campaign against the arms trade, said: "The crackdown in Bahrain has intensified, yet the UK does not speak out against the abuses that are daily committed by government forces".

The Guardian

But the market for Typhoons seems very precarious and the British arms industry in danger of placing too many eggs in too few baskets.

The Guardian

The deal helped sustain BAE through some of its leanest years and arguably preserved Britain's ability to build military jets (many of which have proved difficult to sell to anyone else).Last year another deal was agreed to supply 72 Eurofighter Typhoons and other services that may eventually be worth as much as the original Al Yamamah contract.

The Economist

The navy's fleet of destroyers and frigates was cut to 25, about the minimum that is currently imaginable.Meanwhile, the ministry is wedged into several Cold War procurement programmes, including the acquisition of 144 mostly-unwanted Eurofighter Typhoons at £50m a pop.

The Economist

It has the Philippines' best farmland and receives steady rainfall throughout the year, instead of the seasonal typhoons that plague the central and northern islands.

The Economist

These include options on a variety of asset classes, such as equity indices and credit-default-swap indices.In this section From tsunamis to Typhoons Fat-tail attraction Marx, Mervyn or Mario?

The Economist

However, since the earthquake follows a string of nasty typhoons that have swept Japan in recent months, some economists worry that the natural disasters will take a toll on consumer confidence and spending.

The Economist

Dhaval Joshi of BCA Research reckons that this is the first time profits have outperformed wages in absolute terms in 50 years.In this section From tsunamis to Typhoons Fat-tail attraction Marx, Mervyn or Mario?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typhoons" when the context specifically relates to the Northwest Pacific Ocean; otherwise, consider "tropical cyclones" or "hurricanes" for broader applicability.

Common error

Avoid using "typhoons" when referring to storms in the Atlantic or Northeast Pacific. Use "hurricanes" instead to maintain accuracy and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "typhoons" is as a plural noun. Ludwig confirms it is used to name severe tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "typhoons" is a grammatically correct and frequently used plural noun referring to tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific. Ludwig confirms this. It's commonly found in news reports and encyclopedic entries, indicating a range of formality. When writing about these storms, remember to specify the geographic region and choose the term that best fits the context. While "typhoons" is correct for the Northwest Pacific, use "hurricanes" for storms in the Atlantic or Northeast Pacific. Being aware of these distinctions will ensure the accuracy and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tropical cyclones

More technical term for the same weather phenomenon.

intense cyclones

Focuses on the intensity and cyclonic nature of storms.

cyclonic storms

Scientific term emphasizing the cyclonic nature of typhoons.

destructive storms

Highlights the damaging impact of typhoons.

cyclones

More generic term referring to a system of winds rotating around a center of low atmospheric pressure.

severe storms

Broader category including typhoons.

violent storms

Emphasizes the force and intensity.

hurricanes

Equivalent term, but specific to the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific.

extreme weather events

General term for severe weather phenomena caused by typhoons.

tropical disturbances

General term encompassing a range of tropical weather systems, including those that develop into typhoons.

FAQs

What is the difference between "typhoons", hurricanes, and cyclones?

All three terms refer to the same type of weather phenomenon: a tropical cyclone. "Typhoon" is used in the Northwest Pacific, "hurricane" in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, and "cyclone" in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

What kind of damage can "typhoons" cause?

"Typhoons" can cause widespread damage, including flooding, landslides, and structural damage from high winds and heavy rainfall. The severity of the damage depends on the storm's intensity and the preparedness of the affected areas.

Are "tropical cyclones" more frequent in certain regions?

Yes, some regions are more prone to tropical cyclones (including "typhoons") due to their geographic location and climate patterns. The Northwest Pacific, for example, experiences a high frequency of "typhoons" each year.

What can I say instead of "typhoons"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tropical storms", "severe weather", or, more scientifically, "tropical cyclones". For storms in the Atlantic, use "hurricanes".