a cloud of birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large group of birds flying together, often creating a visual image of them resembling a cloud. Example: "As we walked through the park, we were mesmerized by a cloud of birds taking flight from the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He recalled seeing a cloud of birds literally falling out of the sky.

The Guardian

Ahead of me on the horizon are the tumbledown stone walls of a ruined castle, behind me stands the white tower of a lighthouse, and above me a cloud of birds oscillates across the sky.

The Times

At dusk, the birds take flight in La Grange, Ky., and create what some locals describe as a "cloud of birds," according to TV station WAVE.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She puffed out her cheeks and looked as though she might explode in a cloud of bird-bone beads and tattered bashkwegin.

The New Yorker

That flock of pigeons flying overhead may look like a chaotic cloud of birds, but it's more like an airborne hierarchy.

Science Magazine

After images of grasses, a dog on a road, a tree blowing, thistle, and a cemetery, a huge black cloud of birds gathered and then spread out against the sky.

The New Yorker

Within a cloud of haze, the bird-woman became a femme fatale.

The New York Times - Arts

Those are clouds of birds, now we see, one whole cloud of birds.

The New Yorker

of birds, now we see, one whole cloud of birds.

The New Yorker

He kept swooping under, and virtually through, the ragged white cloud of birds, putting his wingtip right in front of the cranes and hoping, again and again, to emerge with a neater arrangement filed behind him.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fungus does not make the birds sick, but birds have long been suspected of transmitting it to people through droppings, which can be stirred into a cloud of particles and inhaled.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of birds" to evoke a vivid image of a large group of birds moving together, especially when their formation resembles a cloud-like shape. It is particularly effective in descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of birds" excessively. While evocative, overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for more literal descriptions like "a flock of birds" or "a group of birds" when a simpler, more direct style is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of birds" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an abstract noun. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a large group of birds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cloud of birds" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe a large group of birds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English to paint a picture of birds moving together in a cloud-like formation. While less common than "a flock of birds", it adds a layer of visual imagery. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to create a vivid mental picture and can be used effectively in descriptive writing. Using alternatives like "a flock of birds" or "a swarm of birds" can provide variety and prevent overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flock of birds

Replaces "cloud" with "flock", a more common term for a group of birds.

a swarm of birds

Uses "swarm" to emphasize a large and possibly chaotic group of birds.

a large group of birds

A more generic description, replacing the figurative "cloud" with a literal description of size.

a multitude of birds

Emphasizes the sheer number of birds involved.

a host of birds

Uses "host" to suggest a large and impressive gathering of birds.

a gathering of birds

Focuses on the act of birds coming together.

an assembly of birds

More formal term emphasizing the organized or deliberate nature of the group.

a concentration of birds

Highlights the density or close proximity of the birds.

a mass of birds

Emphasizes the collective body formed by the birds.

a flight of birds

Focuses on the birds' movement in the air.

FAQs

How can I use "a cloud of birds" in a sentence?

You can use "a cloud of birds" to describe a large group of birds flying together, creating a visually striking image. For example, "We watched as "a cloud of birds" filled the sky at sunset".

What's a good alternative to "a cloud of birds"?

Alternatives include "a flock of birds", "a swarm of birds", or "a flight of birds", depending on the context and the specific imagery you want to create.

Is "a cloud of birds" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "a cloud of birds" is less common than "a flock of birds". It's best used when you want to emphasize the visual resemblance of the group of birds to a cloud.

What does "a cloud of birds" suggest that "a flock of birds" doesn't?

"A cloud of birds" suggests a visual similarity to a cloud, implying a large, amorphous, and perhaps somewhat dispersed group. "A flock of birds" is a more general term without the same emphasis on visual shape.