a cloud of flour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of flour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where flour is dispersed in the air, often during baking or cooking. Example: "As she sifted the flour, a cloud of flour enveloped the kitchen, making it look like a scene from a baking show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They passed the open side door of a bakery and Thomas was briefly overwhelmed by whiteness: a tiled white wall, a pale man dressed all in white, a cloud of flour hovering over a shining white mountain of dough.

The New Yorker

I chatted with Mrs. Guo, the middle-aged dynamo from Henan province, who worked the counter, while her husband, a tall quiet sort, pounded dough behind her in a cloud of flour and steam.

The New Yorker

The first shopkeeper, Mrs. Guo, a sturdy middle-aged mother from Henan province, was hawking shaobing, Beijing's flaky sesame cakes, while her laconic husband labored in a cloud of flour in the back.

The New Yorker

Riders to the Sea, the bleakest of the Aran plays, opens with an unforgettable wordless sequence: a young woman, waiting for bad news, punishes her dough among a cloud of flour, then sits down, resigned, to her spinning wheel which creaks around with a gentle tick.

The Guardian

A Firefly might get lost in a cloud of flour, delighting in culinary arts.

Huffington Post

If you drop the meat in, it will create a cloud of flour - gently place the meat in the container to avoid any messes.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

During one speech, an intruder douses him with a cloud of white flour; Mr Hollande scarcely flinches.

The Economist

He stretches it, then slaps it off the table in a violent cloud of flour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As soon as the player kicks the ball, hands go up in the air, releasing the flour, creating a cloud of white to welcome the opposing team!

Wikipedia

A cloud of us.

The Guardian - Books

A cloud of names?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of flour" to create a vivid image of baking or cooking scenes. It adds a sensory element to your description, helping readers visualize the process.

Common error

While evocative, "a cloud of flour" can become a cliché if overused. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "a dusting of flour" or "a floury haze" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of flour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It is a descriptive term, painting a picture of flour particles dispersed in the air. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of flour" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe flour particles dispersed in the air, commonly in baking or cooking settings. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for neutral registers and serves to create vivid sensory images. Consider varying descriptions with alternatives like "a floury haze" or "a dusting of flour" to avoid overuse of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a floury haze

Replaces "cloud" with "haze" to emphasize the diffused nature of the flour.

a fine dusting of flour

Focuses on the light, scattered distribution of the flour.

a puff of flour

Describes a small, sudden release of flour into the air.

a shower of flour

Suggests a more abundant and widespread dispersal of flour.

flour-filled air

Highlights the presence of flour in the atmosphere.

flour particles in the air

Describes the tiny pieces of flour floating in the air.

air thick with flour

Emphasizes the density of flour in the air.

a billow of flour

Implies a large, rolling mass of flour.

flour explosion

Describes a sudden burst of flour into the air.

flour motes dancing in the light

Highlights the individual particles of flour and their movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of flour" to describe a baking scene, for example: "As the baker mixed the ingredients, "a cloud of flour" rose from the bowl."

What's a less literal way to use "a cloud of flour"?

While primarily literal, you could use it metaphorically to describe something light and airy, although this is less common. For instance, "her dress resembled "a cloud of flour", light and white."

What can I say instead of "a cloud of flour"?

Alternatives include "a floury haze", "a fine dusting of flour", or "a puff of flour", depending on the specific imagery you want to convey.

Is "a cloud of flour" a common expression?

While grammatically sound and easily understood, "a cloud of flour" isn't among the most frequently used phrases. It effectively sets a scene but consider alternatives for variety in your writing.