a cloud of us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a group of people or a collective presence, often conveying a sense of unity or shared experience. Example: "As we gathered in the park, I felt like we were enveloped in a cloud of us, all connected by laughter and conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A cloud of us.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race set before us... .. To read more on aging, death, and dying from Amy Ziettlow, visit FamilyScholars.org.org

Huffington Post

There was a cloud of possibilities which kept us all dizzy.

The New York Times

"There is a cloud of suspicion hanging over us ever since the Barcelona clinic was closed," she said.

The New York Times

Soon we were off-road entirely, the undercarriage of the S.U.V. clanging like a gong, a cloud of dust billowing around us.

The New Yorker

Within seconds a cloud of concentrated bathroom odor enveloped us.

The New York Times - Travel

I was at the wheel along a stretch of beautiful roadway connecting Montana to Wyoming when a cloud of red dust appeared before us: a rock slide, which, it soon became clear, had just deposited a gigantic boulder in the center of the road.

The New York Times - Travel

"This '4 yards a play and a cloud of dust' is all new to us.

The New York Times - Sports

An elaborate setup is no longer necessary, because the phone already envelops us in a cloud of computing.

The New York Times - Magazine

We were in the flight path of the Marine base, and every few minutes a plane either landing or taking off screamed above us, trailing a cloud of black smoke.

The New Yorker

A cloud of names?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of us" to evoke a sense of ethereal unity or shared identity within a group, especially when the group's presence is felt strongly but not necessarily seen clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of us" in contexts where a more direct and literal description of a group would be clearer and more effective. The metaphor should enhance, not obscure, the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of us" functions as a noun phrase, employing a metaphor to describe a group of people. The word "cloud" suggests a nebulous, encompassing presence. Ludwig provides examples where similar phrases describe enveloping atmospheres or collective identities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cloud of us" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, though not very common. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used metaphorically to describe a group, conveying a sense of shared experience or unity. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it evokes an enveloping or encompassing presence. While effective in creative writing, it should be used judiciously to avoid overusing the metaphor. Alternatives like "a group of us" or "we as a collective" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all of us together

Simple restatement of the collective, without the cloud metaphor.

a group of us

Replaces the metaphorical "cloud" with a more literal description of a gathering.

us as one

Emphasizes solidarity and a single, unified identity.

we as a collective

Emphasizes the united nature of the group, focusing on shared purpose.

our shared presence

Highlights the feeling of being together in the same space or time.

we in unison

Focuses on the agreement and unified action of the group.

the entirety of us

Stresses the complete and inclusive nature of the group.

the assembled company

A more formal way to describe a group of people present at the same location.

our combined selves

A more abstract way to refer to the collective individuals.

the company of us

A slightly archaic phrasing suggesting companionship.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of us" to describe a group sharing a common experience, such as "As we walked through the protest, I felt like we were enveloped in "a cloud of us", all united for the cause."

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

Some alternatives include "a group of us", "we as a collective", or "our shared presence", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a cloud of us" a formal or informal expression?

"A cloud of us" tends to be more informal and figurative. In formal contexts, consider using "the assembled company" or a similar phrase.

When is it appropriate to use the metaphor "cloud" to describe a group of people?

It is suitable when you want to convey a sense of encompassing presence, perhaps something not easily defined but strongly felt. It suggests a collective impact or atmosphere created by the group.