winds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winds" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to the movement of air or metaphorically to describe changes or influences in a situation. Example: "The winds of change are blowing through the organization, prompting a reevaluation of our strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Emergency services said on Friday the decision had been made because of the danger posed by flying debris in the predicted strong winds.

The Guardian

"It didn't get the strongest winds in the eye wall but it certainly got a period of nearly three hours of sustained gale force winds and wind gusts in the 95 to 100km/h range".

The Guardian

This small but beautifully designed resort winds its way through colourful flowerbeds, and looks out over rice paddies.

The Guardian - Travel

British and Irish golfers, who would be links regulars for top amateur events, find themselves far removed from gusting winds and uneven bounces when taking up lucrative residence in Florida.

The Guardian - Sport

Calle Sevilla 6, barbadillo.com, tours 11am (English), noon and 1pm (Spanish), €6pp Windsurfing, kite surfing, and surfing, Tarifa The heady combination of strong winds, warm winters and extensive sandy beaches have established Tarifa as a top destination for year-round wet fun.

The Guardian - Travel

Catlin, who has been a caddie for 13 years, said he knew rain was coming but he had had no idea that the storm would feature lightning and winds strong enough to knock down the scoreboard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is clear that the current BSA leadership will bend with the winds of popular culture, and the whims of liberal special interest groups," said Perkins.

The Guardian

"Silicon Valley is only an hour away, so a lot of that hacker culture winds up in Sacramento, because it's cheaper to live there, and you can commute back and forth," Bannon says of the attraction of the darknet for the city's musicians.

The Guardian - Music

Paddle across the delta, the sea winds at your back, spotting storks, herons and kingfishers along the shore (three hours from €25).

The Guardian - Travel

Ushuaia is bigger and geared up for tourists; the mountain backdrop is spectacular, they say, although the morning we woke to leave the ship, it was hidden by clouds that had descended almost to the rooftops, while high winds and rain were lashing the harbour.

The Guardian - Travel

Bushfires of this ferocity can create their own weather in the form of hurricane-force winds and even lightning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather conditions, specify the type of "winds" (e.g., gale-force, trade, prevailing) to provide more precise information.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "winds" as a metaphor for change or influence. Vary your language by using terms like "currents", "forces", or "trends" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "winds" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple instances of air movement. It can also be used as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "wind". As Ludwig AI explains, it's a versatile term used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Opinion

8%

Film

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "winds" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used primarily as a plural noun referring to air in natural motion or, less frequently, as the third-person singular present tense of the verb "wind". As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility extends to both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as describing weather phenomena or representing forces of change. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Travel", and "Sport", the phrase enjoys a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using "winds", specify the type (e.g., gale-force) for clarity and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts by considering alternatives like "currents" or "forces". Ludwig’s examples showcase its real-world applications, reinforcing its broad usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

air currents

Focuses specifically on the movement of air, often in a scientific context.

gusts of wind

Emphasizes the sudden, strong bursts of air movement.

prevailing winds

Refers to the dominant or most frequent wind direction in a particular area.

aerial currents

Highlights the movement of air in the atmosphere.

airflows

A more technical term for the movement of air, often used in engineering or meteorology.

zephyrs

Refers to gentle, mild breezes.

breezes

Indicates light and pleasant winds.

drafts

Suggests localized air movements, often indoors.

the currents of change

Metaphorically uses the idea of winds to describe influential forces.

influential forces

Abstractly represents 'winds' as factors that drive or shape events.

FAQs

How can I use "winds" in a sentence?

You can use "winds" to describe weather conditions, as in "Strong "winds" are expected tonight", or metaphorically to represent change, as in "The "winds of change" are sweeping through the industry".

What are some synonyms for "winds" when referring to weather?

When referring to weather, you can use synonyms like "air currents", "gusts", or "breezes" depending on the intensity of the air movement.

How does the meaning of "winds" change in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "winds" can represent forces that influence or change a situation, similar to how literal winds affect the environment. For example, "winds of democracy" suggests the spread of democratic ideals.

Which is the correct plural, "wind" or "winds"?

"Winds" is the plural form of "wind" and is used to refer to multiple instances or types of air movement. "Wind" itself is used as a singular noun referring to air in natural motion.