a cloud of uncertainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of uncertainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling where there is confusion or lack of clarity about something. Example: "As the negotiations continued, a cloud of uncertainty hung over the future of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is still a cloud of uncertainty".

The New York Times

But the dream exists under a cloud of uncertainty.

The Guardian

Yet a cloud of uncertainty continues to hover over the farms.

The New York Times - Sports

At the very least it represents a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Bitcoin's long-term future.

MIT Technology Review

"There's a cloud of uncertainty around how imports will be treated," said Matthijs.

The Washington Post

A cloud of uncertainty still exists over alternative routes to university.

The Guardian

Microsoft's decision to walk away casts a cloud of uncertainty over Yahoo and its shareholders.

The New York Times - Tech

The gun amendment cast a cloud of uncertainty over what voting-rights supporters had hoped would be a major triumph.

The Washington Post

The time line now means different things to different people, and a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the strategy's future.

The New Yorker

They deter countries from taking the central bank's support, which leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their markets.

The New York Times

It is a cloud of uncertainty that I have been forced to accept, but it unsettles me nonetheless.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of uncertainty" to effectively convey a sense of unease or apprehension about future events or outcomes. It is best used when the uncertainty significantly impacts decisions or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of uncertainty" in situations that are already highly dramatic or obviously uncertain. Overusing it in such contexts can dilute its impact and make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of uncertainty" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It metaphorically represents a situation or condition characterized by a lack of clarity, predictability, or assurance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a cloud of uncertainty" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a sense of unease or apprehension about future events. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows that it functions to highlight ambiguity and risk in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While grammatically correct and versatile, overuse in overly dramatic situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "an atmosphere of doubt" or "a climate of ambiguity" for varied expression. Using the phrase judiciously can add depth to your writing and effectively communicate the gravity of uncertain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an atmosphere of doubt

Replaces the "cloud" metaphor with "atmosphere", emphasizing the pervasive feeling of doubt.

a climate of ambiguity

Substitutes "cloud" with "climate", highlighting a general sense of unclear circumstances.

a veil of ambiguity

Uses "veil" instead of "cloud", suggesting that something is hidden or obscured.

an aura of unpredictability

Shifts the focus to the lack of predictability surrounding a situation.

a pall of doubt

Employs "pall" to convey a heavy and negative sense of doubt.

a shadow of doubt

Uses "shadow" to indicate a less intense but still present sense of uncertainty.

an element of risk

Focuses on the presence of potential negative outcomes due to the uncertainty.

a question mark hanging over

More directly expresses that something is in doubt or unresolved.

some level of ambiguity

Rephrases the concept in a more straightforward and less figurative way.

under a shadow of ambiguity

Replaces "cloud" with "shadow" with a slight change in the preposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of uncertainty" to describe situations where the future is unclear or outcomes are unpredictable. For example: "A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the company's future plans after the CEO's sudden resignation."

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

Similar phrases include "an atmosphere of doubt", "a climate of ambiguity", or "a veil of uncertainty".

Is it better to say "a cloud of uncertainty" or "an air of uncertainty"?

Both "a cloud of uncertainty" and "an air of uncertainty" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the desired imagery and context. "A cloud" suggests a more looming and potentially threatening uncertainty, while "an air" suggests a more subtle pervasive feeling.

What does it mean when something is "under a cloud of uncertainty"?

When something is "under "a cloud of uncertainty"", it means that its future or status is unclear and subject to potential negative changes or outcomes. It often implies a state of anxiety or concern about what might happen.