winter is upon us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winter is upon us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that winter has arrived or is about to begin, often evoking a sense of change or transition in seasons. Example: "As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, it's clear that winter is upon us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

WINTER is upon us.

The New York Times - Style

Winter is upon us and so too is the season of dark, brooding TV dramas.

Independent

This goes to a more important point that arises now that winter is upon us.

The New York Times

They are now starting to develop good colour and hopefully will have reached a good size before winter is upon us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Winter is upon us, the snow falls outside, so it is time to suspend toil, light the fire, feast, dance, sing, give each other candles as presents and generally make merry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Winter is upon us in the northern hemisphere.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Or you could follow the snow around the planet: September Todayay "Winter" 2007-8 is upon us; Tignes in France opens today.

Independent

So Winter Storm Juno is upon us.

Huffington Post

Winter is nearly upon us, which means one thing: It's the season for pies, stews, soups and casseroles.

Huffington Post

The challenge for every New Yorker come springtime: figure out how to spend as much time as possible outside, under the warmth of the sun, before the frosty chill of winter is, inevitably, upon us again.

Huffington Post

A financial nuclear winter may be upon us, but many startups will still survive and even thrive in this environment.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "winter is upon us" to create a sense of immediacy and acknowledge the implications or changes that come with the winter season. It's effective for setting a tone or introducing a shift in focus.

Common error

Avoid using "winter is upon us" in contexts where a literal winter season isn't relevant. Using it metaphorically requires careful consideration to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and doesn't feel forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "winter is upon us" primarily functions as a declarative statement announcing the arrival or imminence of winter. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts, signaling a transition or change in circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "winter is upon us" effectively communicates the arrival or imminence of the winter season, or, metaphorically, a period of change or difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in news and media contexts. While its usage is widespread, avoid overuse or inappropriate contexts. Related phrases like "winter has arrived" or "the onset of winter" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, while being aware of the nuances in context can enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winter has arrived

A more direct statement that winter is now present.

winter is here

A simpler way to express that winter is currently present.

the winter season has begun

More formal way to say the same, focusing on the season's commencement.

the arrival of winter

Nominal phrase emphasizing the act of winter coming.

winter approaches

Suggests the season is coming closer, but not yet fully here.

the onset of winter

Highlights the beginning or start of the winter season.

we are entering winter

Describes the transition into the winter season.

winter is drawing near

Poetic way of saying winter is getting closer.

the winter months are upon us

Focuses on the duration of winter through the months.

the depths of winter are here

Emphasizes the most intense or severe part of winter.

FAQs

What does "winter is upon us" mean?

The phrase "winter is upon us" means that winter has arrived or is about to begin. It's often used to signal a change in circumstances or the start of a new phase, much like the literal change of seasons.

What can I say instead of "winter is upon us"?

You can use alternatives like "winter has arrived", "winter is here", or "the winter season has begun" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "winter is upon us"?

Yes, "winter is upon us" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage in various contexts.

Can "winter is upon us" be used metaphorically?

Yes, while the phrase literally refers to the arrival of winter, it can be used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a difficult or challenging period. For example, one might say "a financial winter is upon us" to indicate an economic downturn.