a cloud of fog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of fog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thick, obscuring mist or fog that envelops an area, often creating a sense of mystery or obscurity. Example: "As we walked through the forest, we found ourselves surrounded by a cloud of fog that made it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Or, in the case of the United States Open golf championship or the N.B.A. finals, it gets buried in a cloud of fog and unrepentant fairways or drowned out by referees' whistles and bodies hitting the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

In January, he blew people's minds at Paisley Park, his compound in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with an intimate solo-piano performance, in which he appeared in a cloud of fog, surrounded by candles, and proceeded chronologically and autobiographically through his catalogue.

The New Yorker

After the train exits the first drop, the train then enters a zero-g-roll before going through a cloud of fog.

Wikipedia

Gaga arrived wearing a shimmering, skintight onesie that made her look like a disco angel as a cloud of fog floated across the bottom of the stage.

Huffington Post

The device envelops the wearer in a cloud of fog, simultaneously obscuring his or her identity and creating a temporary tranquil space.

Vice

di Piazza pieces together a nose, mouth, and face from things like the side of a mountain, a cloud of fog, or a pit of lava.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A cloud of thick fog had descended on the intersection and made it invisible.

The New Yorker

Exhibits at Yverdon are approached through a cloud of artificial fog.

The New York Times - Travel

I think there is a cloud of ethical fog".

Huffington Post

The satisfying result was a brief but beautiful scene and shopping experience that, like its name, was as cool as a cloud of San Francisco fog.

Huffington Post

But the spell of The Lesser Bohemians' sweeping love story seems to chant, through a cloud of British fog, "true love can cure all," even as McBride sets us up with too many doubts and fears to brush away.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, consider the other sensory details that accompany "a cloud of fog", such as the sound of foghorns or the dampness in the air, to enhance the reader's experience.

Common error

Avoid using overly descriptive adjectives that simply reiterate the nature of fog. For instance, saying "a thick and foggy cloud of fog" is redundant; instead, focus on the effect or impact of the fog.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of fog" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific atmospheric condition or a visual phenomenon, contributing to the overall imagery of a scene. Examples from Ludwig show its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cloud of fog" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a dense atmospheric condition or a metaphorical state of obscurity. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correctly used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it can be found in a range of writing styles, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, it's advisable to consider other sensory details to enrich the reader's experience and to avoid redundancy in descriptions. Alternatives like "a thick mist" or "a blanket of fog" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "a cloud of fog" is a reliable and evocative phrase for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dense fog bank

Emphasizes the density and formation of the fog.

a thick mist

Uses the term "mist" which is closely related to fog but often implies a lighter density.

a blanket of fog

Emphasizes the covering effect of the fog, suggesting it spreads over an area.

a shroud of fog

Suggests a concealing or obscuring effect of the fog.

a haze of fog

Implies a lighter, less dense fog.

a bank of fog

Refers to a mass or accumulation of fog, often seen in coastal areas.

a swirl of fog

Describes the movement or pattern of the fog.

a veil of fog

Suggests a thin layer of fog that partially obscures the view.

a miasma of fog

Implies a thicker, potentially unpleasant or dangerous fog.

a gathering of fog

Focuses on the action of fog accumulating or forming.

FAQs

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

"A cloud of fog" can be used to describe atmospheric conditions, obscure details, or create a sense of mystery. For example: "The ship disappeared into "a cloud of fog"."

What phrases are similar to "a cloud of fog"?

Similar phrases include "a thick mist", "a blanket of fog", or "a shroud of fog", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a cloud of fog"? Can I just say "fog"?

While "fog" alone is often sufficient, "a cloud of fog" emphasizes the density and visual nature of the fog, painting a more vivid picture. It's not strictly redundant if used intentionally for effect.

When is it appropriate to use "a cloud of fog" in writing?

Use "a cloud of fog" when you want to highlight the obscuring or enveloping quality of fog, especially in descriptive or atmospheric writing, or when literal fog is not visible.