wind gust

USAGE SUMMARY

"wind gust" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a sudden and brief blast of wind. For example: The wind gust blew the hat off of the boy's head.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Met Office said a wind gust of 112mph was recorded at Great Dun Fell, in the Pennines - the strongest wind gust on land of the recent storms.

BBC

At Nantucket, a wind gust up to 69 mph was observed.

Wikipedia

At an offshore oil rig, a wind gust up to 81 mph was reported.

Wikipedia

The highest wind gust on land was 51 mph (82 km/h) at Scholes Field.

Wikipedia

A site in the Nantucket Sound recorded a wind gust to 61 mph.

Wikipedia

A rainband ahead of the storm produced a 39 mph (63 km/h) wind gust at Patrick Air Force Base, and a station in Saint Augustine recorded a wind gust of 38 mph (61 km/h).

Wikipedia

Wind gust of 92 mph recorded in Mumbles, South Wales.

The Guardian

South of Denver, Colorado Springs logged a wind gust of 97 mph, its highest ever recorded.

The Washington Post

A hawk hovered in a wind gust above the cliff face.

The New York Times - Travel

Just after 8 p.m., Albany reported a wind gust to 81 mph.

The Washington Post

It was incredibly quiet, except for an occasional wind gust whipping between bergs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a "wind gust", be specific about its effects, such as "The wind gust knocked over the sign" or "A strong wind gust made it difficult to walk".

Common error

Avoid using "wind gust" interchangeably with sustained winds. A "wind gust" is a sudden, brief increase in wind speed, not a continuous condition. For ongoing strong winds, use terms like "strong winds" or "gale-force winds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wind gust" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific meteorological phenomenon. Ludwig examples illustrate this, with "wind gust" acting as a descriptive element in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

40%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wind gust" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe a sudden burst of wind. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used across various contexts, predominantly in news, wiki and scientific reporting. It serves to inform about specific weather conditions, and while the phrase is neutrally registered, it's important not to confuse it with sustained wind speeds. Alternatives like "sudden wind burst" or "fleeting gale" can offer varied emphasis on different aspects of the wind phenomenon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden wind burst

Emphasizes the abrupt nature of the wind.

sudden puff of wind

Highlights the short duration and lightness of the wind.

short blast of wind

Focuses on the sharp, intense nature of the wind.

fleeting gale

Implies a strong but temporary wind.

momentary wind surge

Highlights the sudden increase in wind intensity.

brief wind squall

Uses a more technical term for a sudden, localized wind increase.

isolated wind flurry

Suggests a brief and localized instance of wind.

abrupt air current

Focuses on the sudden change in air movement.

quick puff of air

Simplifies the description to a gentle, brief air movement.

sporadic wind blow

Emphasizes the irregular and intermittent nature of the wind.

FAQs

How is a "wind gust" different from sustained wind?

A "wind gust" is a sudden, short-lived increase in wind speed, whereas sustained wind refers to the average wind speed over a longer period, typically a minute or more. Sustained winds provide a general measure of overall wind strength, while gusts represent temporary spikes.

What causes a "wind gust"?

Wind gusts can be caused by various factors, including atmospheric instability, changes in terrain, and the interaction of wind with obstacles. Local weather patterns and conditions significantly influence the frequency and intensity of gusts.

What are some synonyms for "wind gust"?

Alternatives to "wind gust" include "sudden wind burst", "fleeting gale", or "short blast of wind". The choice depends on the specific context and the intensity you wish to convey.

Is it accurate to use "wind gust" to describe a hurricane?

While hurricanes certainly have wind gusts, it's more appropriate to focus on their sustained wind speeds. Describing a hurricane solely in terms of a "wind gust" would understate its overall force and destructive potential. Referencing the hurricane's sustained winds provides a better understanding of the storm's intensity.