a cloud of unease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of unease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of discomfort or anxiety that hangs over a situation or group of people. Example: "As the meeting began, a cloud of unease settled over the room, making everyone hesitant to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With less than six months remaining in Mr. Bloomberg's tenure, a cloud of unease has descended over arts executives, fund-raisers and artists.

The New York Times - Arts

Several of them pointed back to the smashed door of her district headquarters at 1661 North Swan Street last March as a turning point; a time when a cloud of unease settled over Ms. Giffords and her staff.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Today's dread is a good deal more amorphous, a gathering cloud of unease about shaky economies, dysfunctional institutions, climate change: The skies are thick with ill omen.

The New York Times

Urging the government to publish the white paper needed to renew the charter before it runs out at the end of this year, she said: "For the time being, charter review hangs over the BBC: a cloud of uncertainty and unease.

The Guardian

A cloud of us.

The Guardian - Books

A cloud of names?

The New Yorker

It collapsed in a cloud of dust.

The New York Times

A cloud of crème chantilly is "optional".

The New York Times

Amazon already has a cloud of sorts.

The Economist

A cloud of dust rose.

Huffington Post

Still, a sense of unease lingers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a cloud of unease" to subtly introduce tension or foreshadow potential problems in your narrative. It's effective for setting a mood without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly state that there's "a cloud of unease" unless the situation absolutely calls for it. Show, don't tell. Let their actions and expressions convey the feeling instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of unease" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe a general feeling of discomfort or anxiety that hangs over a situation. Examples show it describing the atmosphere surrounding events or decisions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of unease" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a pervasive feeling of anxiety or discomfort, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its noun phrase function makes it versatile in sentence construction. While relatively rare in overall usage, its presence is most noticeable in news and media contexts, lending it a neutral to slightly formal tone. When writing, aim to use this phrase to set a subtle, foreboding mood, but avoid overusing it in dialogue, opting instead to show the unease through character actions and interactions. Alternatives include "a sense of disquiet" or "an atmosphere of apprehension", depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is correct, and its few examples prove that it can be helpful to improve your writing with it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of disquiet

Focuses on a feeling of worry or anxiety.

a shroud of unease

Suggests a feeling of unease that covers or obscures a situation.

an air of disquiet

Refers to a noticeable feeling of disturbance or unease.

an atmosphere of apprehension

Emphasizes the surrounding feeling of anxiety within a place or situation.

a veil of uncertainty

Highlights how a lack of clarity leads to feeling unsettled.

a climate of uncertainty

Stresses the lack of sureness about a situation, causing worry.

a wave of apprehension

Describes a sudden and widespread feeling of anxiety.

a feeling of foreboding

Highlights an expectation that something bad will happen.

a shadow of worry

Presents a slight degree of concern or anxiety that is present.

a pall of anxiety

Implies a dark or gloomy feeling of worry that hangs over a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of unease" to describe a situation where there's a pervasive feeling of anxiety or discomfort, for example: "A cloud of unease settled over the negotiations as the deadline approached."

What are some alternatives to "a cloud of unease"?

Alternatives include "a sense of disquiet", "an atmosphere of apprehension", or "a feeling of foreboding", each carrying slightly different nuances of anxiety or discomfort.

Is "a cloud of unease" too dramatic for professional writing?

While "a cloud of unease" can be evocative, consider your audience and the overall tone. For more formal contexts, "a sense of concern" or "a degree of apprehension" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a cloud of unease" and "a sense of unease"?

"A cloud of unease" suggests a more pervasive and encompassing feeling, almost affecting everyone or everything in a given space or situation. "A sense of unease" is more individual and personal.