a cloud of smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cloud of smoke" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, billowing mass of smoke. Example: As the firefighters battled the raging inferno, a thick cloud of smoke engulfed the entire city block.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cloud of smoke emerged seconds later.

The Guardian

I saw a cloud of smoke rising in the sky.

The New York Times

My sister disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Princeton University

She lights another cigarette, blows a cloud of smoke.

The Guardian - Books

Jaara stood up and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then a cloud of smoke gushed through the opening..

The New York Times - Science

A cloud of smoke shot out, so thick that it obscured the jaws for a moment.

The New Yorker

We can't afford to let the next few weeks drift away in a cloud of smoke.

The New York Times

They are enveloped by a cloud of smoke and are not seen again.

The New Yorker

A cloud of smoke hung as thick as a ghost above him.

The New Yorker

Nobody appeared in a cloud of smoke and taught scientists these virtues.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a cloud of smoke" to vividly describe a large mass of smoke, often resulting from explosions, fires, or other intense events. It helps create a strong visual image for your reader.

Common error

While "a cloud of smoke" is a descriptive phrase, overuse can make your writing seem unoriginal. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "a haze of smoke" or "billowing smoke" to keep your writing fresh.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of smoke" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It vividly describes a visible phenomenon. Ludwig AI confirms its conventional usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of smoke" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to vividly describe a large mass of smoke. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as verified by Ludwig, it serves a descriptive purpose, helping to paint a clear visual picture for the audience. While effective, it's essential to avoid overuse by employing alternatives such as "a haze of smoke" or "billowing smoke" to maintain writing originality. The linguistic analysis underscores its neutral register and frequency, reinforcing its widespread applicability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a haze of smoke

Replaces "cloud" with "haze", suggesting a less dense and more diffuse presence of smoke.

a pall of smoke

Substitutes "cloud" with "pall", implying a dark and heavy covering of smoke, often associated with negative events.

smoke-filled air

This alternative focuses on the air being filled with smoke, changing the structure from a distinct cloud to an atmospheric condition.

a shroud of smoke

Uses "shroud" instead of "cloud", suggesting smoke that conceals or obscures something.

a blanket of smoke

Replaces "cloud" with "blanket", emphasizing the extensive coverage of the smoke.

drifting smoke

Focuses on the movement of smoke, losing the specific image of a cloud but keeping the essence of smoke dispersed in the air.

billowing smoke

Highlights the action of smoke rising and swirling, instead of the static image of a cloud.

a smoky atmosphere

Changes the structure to describe the general atmosphere as smoky, rather than a distinct cloud.

rising smoke

Emphasizes the upward movement of smoke, omitting the 'cloud' aspect.

dense smoke

Focuses on the density of the smoke, moving away from the cloud metaphor.

FAQs

How can "a cloud of smoke" be used in a sentence?

Use "a cloud of smoke" to depict a large mass of smoke, such as "The explosion created "a cloud of smoke" that obscured the sky".

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

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "a haze of smoke" or "billowing smoke" for varied descriptions.

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

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the visual impact of a significant amount of smoke, especially from a fire, explosion, or similar event.

Is "a cloud of smoke" a figurative or literal expression?

It can be both. Literally, it describes actual smoke. Figuratively, it can represent something obscuring clarity or understanding, similar to how smoke obscures vision.