a cloud of debris

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of debris" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large mass of scattered particles or fragments, often in the context of an explosion, disaster, or natural phenomenon. Example: "After the explosion, a cloud of debris filled the air, obscuring visibility for miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The spacecraft rose through a cloud of debris and returned to a safe distance.

The New York Times - Science

You can see it spinning through a cloud of debris before the screen floods with yellow flames.

The New York Times

James Ronald Whitney, a filmmaker who was chased from his apartment by a cloud of debris after the attack, decided to focus on this family for a documentary.

The New York Times

Every 33 years, most recently in 1998, Tempel-Tuttle makes its closest approach to the Sun and ejects a cloud of debris.

The New York Times - Science

Weapons designed to create a cloud of debris that continued circling the planet might therefore be deemed illegal on the ground of being indiscriminate.

The Guardian

That interception drew criticism from senior American military officials, who complained that it had left a cloud of debris that was dangerous to other space traffic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Just down Second Avenue from the gallery at Daisy's Café, Venancio Arvizo, a worker at the cafe, said he was outside on his lunch break when he heard a bang and saw a cloud of dust and debris flying out of the white building on the opposite corner that houses the entrance to the dig site.

The New York Times

A barista at a Starbucks around the corner, Tisha Santana, said she did not hear any noise when the building collapsed, but suddenly saw the whole block fill with a cloud of dust and debris, causing a brief panic in the shop.

The New York Times

In another video, described as being shot in a village southwest of Idlib, White Helmets picking through the rubble of a bombing site in search of survivors are forced to flee when another alleged Russian airstrike hits nearby, emitting a cloud of dust and debris.

Vice

What should they do as they watch a cloud of radioactive debris rise and float downwind like the dust from the twin towers on 9/11?

The New York Times

In a heap of steaming rubble, someone stuck a tiny American flag, which waved in a cloud of gray debris.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cloud of debris", consider the visual imagery it evokes. Use it when you want to emphasize the chaotic and dispersed nature of the remnants.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of debris" to describe minor spills or messes. This phrase suggests a substantial destructive event, so reserve it for scenarios with significant scattering and fragmentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of debris" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it describes a mass of scattered fragments resulting from an event like an explosion or natural disaster.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cloud of debris" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to depict scattered fragments often resulting from destruction. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in news and scientific media. While appropriate for formal writing, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a significant scattering of remnants to avoid overstatement. Consider using alternative phrases like "a mass of fragments" or "a shower of fragments" to better suit the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mass of fragments

Emphasizes the collection of broken pieces without necessarily implying dispersion.

a shower of fragments

Suggests a forceful scattering of small pieces from a central point.

a haze of particles

Implies a fine mist of tiny pieces, potentially obscuring vision.

a scatter of rubble

Highlights the disorganized distribution of building or structural remains.

a trail of wreckage

Focuses on the linear distribution of destroyed or damaged components.

a flurry of splinters

Conveys a burst of sharp, fragmented pieces, particularly from wood or brittle material.

a maelstrom of fragments

Implies a chaotic and swirling distribution of broken pieces.

an explosion of shrapnel

Highlights the forceful ejection of small, sharp pieces, often associated with an explosive device.

a dispersion of fragments

Emphasizes the act of scattering and separating into different locations.

a dissemination of rubble

Focuses on the widespread scattering of building or structural remains.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of debris" to describe the aftermath of an explosion, a natural disaster, or any event that results in scattered fragments. For instance, "The explosion sent "a cloud of debris" into the sky."

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

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a mass of fragments", "a shower of fragments", or "a scatter of rubble".

Is it appropriate to use "a cloud of debris" in formal writing?

Yes, "a cloud of debris" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or news contexts, as seen in examples from The New York Times and Science Magazine.

What distinguishes "a cloud of debris" from "a dust cloud"?

While both involve airborne particles, "a cloud of debris" implies larger, more substantial fragments resulting from destruction, whereas "a dust cloud" suggests finer particles like dirt or sand.