Be on cloud nine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be on cloud nine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a state of extreme happiness or bliss. Example: "After receiving the news of her promotion, she was on cloud nine for the rest of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They practically guarantee you'll be on cloud nine".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In another situation, I'd probably be on cloud nine.

The Guardian - Sport

Cloud nine was the vast, towering cumulonimbus, so to be "on cloud nine" implied being on top of the world.

The Guardian

If I qualify for the Olympics I will be on cloud nine all the way to the Games.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everyone expected the guy to be on cloud nine because he was here, trying to show why he was a seven-time batting champion," pitcher Paul Abbott said.

The New York Times - Sports

But while his teammates were giddy in talking about the milestone after the game — "He's got to be on cloud nine tonight," Swisher said — for now, Sabathia is keeping an even keel.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He was on cloud nine and he wasn't the only one!

Huffington Post

Take a leap of faith into uncertainty with your style choices only if it's for one day by wearing an outfit that makes you feel like you are on cloud nine.

Huffington Post

Doc Bortolazzo was on cloud nine.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was on cloud nine," she recalled.

The New Yorker

"She's on cloud nine," Jennifer Hudson said of Hope.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on cloud nine" to vividly describe a state of extreme happiness or elation, making your writing more engaging and relatable. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "be on cloud nine" too frequently in your writing. While it's a vivid expression, overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "be on cloud nine" functions as a predicative expression, describing a subject's state of extreme happiness or elation. As evidenced by Ludwig, this idiom paints a vivid picture of joy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

15%

BBC

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "be on cloud nine" effectively conveys a state of extreme happiness. As supported by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently used in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider the register of your writing, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember, variations like "in seventh heaven" can add richness to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In seventh heaven

Emphasizes a state of perfect happiness, differing in its religious origin.

On top of the world

Focuses on a feeling of dominance and success, differing in its emphasis on achievement.

Over the moon

Uses a different celestial body to describe the feeling of great joy, differing in its metaphorical imagery.

Walking on air

Suggests a sense of lightness and euphoria, differing in its physical sensation metaphor.

In a state of bliss

Highlights a serene and perfect happiness, differing in its formal tone.

Absolutely delighted

Expresses a strong sense of pleasure and satisfaction, differing in its directness.

Thrilled to bits

Emphasizes excitement and pleasure in small portions, differing in its intensity.

Jumping for joy

Illustrates happiness through a physical action, differing in its dynamism.

Happy as a clam

Uses a simile to convey a feeling of contentment, differing in its folksy tone.

Grinning from ear to ear

Focuses on the physical expression of happiness, differing in its visual description.

FAQs

How can I use "Be on cloud nine" in a sentence?

You can use "Be on cloud nine" to describe a state of extreme happiness. For example: "After winning the competition, she "was on cloud nine" all week."

What can I say instead of "Be on cloud nine"?

You can use alternatives like "in seventh heaven", "on top of the world", or "over the moon" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "Be on cloud nine" in formal writing?

While "Be on cloud nine" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and professional alternatives like "absolutely delighted" or "in a state of bliss".

What is the origin of the idiom "Be on cloud nine"?

The phrase "Be on cloud nine" comes from a series of classifications of clouds that ranked cumulonimbus clouds, which are vast and towering, as 'cloud nine', implying being on top of the world.