a cloud of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where language is overwhelming, unclear, or excessively verbose. Example: "The author's writing was so dense that it felt like a cloud of words, making it difficult to grasp the main idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He transported himself to them on a cloud of words.

The New Yorker

I have a cloud of words that Jonathan Karl and ABC News can suck on!

Huffington Post

His go-to move is to throw up a cloud of words that sort of resemble something someone might say, then move on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By singing in to Facebook via the quiz website Vonvon.me, users will be able to form a cloud of the words which made up their activity on the platform in 2015.

Independent

A tag cloud of words related to one artist can be compared to another, with surprisingly similar results.

The Guardian

That answer, like most of her answers, is a dodge, a squid ink esque cloud of words that provides no useful information but lets her move on to the next question.

Vice

For soldiers, there was a little more than that — a cloud of Clintonian hug words.

The New Yorker

Several workers outside the complex around lunchtime yesterday, all of whom declined to give their names, said that they had not yet received any official announcement and were working "under a cloud of uncertainty," in the words of one.

The New York Times

McConnell's political team trolled Blankenship late Tuesday, posting a graphic of the senator in a cloud of cocaine with the words, "Thanks for playing, Don". .

Huffington Post

Word cloud of words appearing most frequently within 10 seconds of mentions of Bernie Sanders on national television on October 9, 2015 (size indicates frequency of appearance, but positioning and coloring are determined by layout algorithm to fit in.

Huffington Post

Word cloud of words appearing most frequently within 10 seconds of mentions of Hillary Clinton on national television on October 9, 2015 (size indicates frequency of appearance, but positioning and coloring are determined by layout algorithm to fit into shape).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cloud of words" when you want to describe language that is overwhelming, confusing, or intentionally obfuscating. It’s a strong image for verbose or unclear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of words" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of words" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It describes a large, amorphous, and often confusing mass of language. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of words" is a metaphorical phrase used to describe language that is overwhelming, confusing, or intentionally obfuscating. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its potential to imply evasiveness or a lack of clarity. Alternatives like "a flurry of words" or "a torrent of words" may offer different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a torrent of words

Highlights the forceful and continuous flow of language.

a flurry of words

Emphasizes rapid and chaotic delivery of language.

a barrage of words

Suggests an overwhelming and potentially aggressive use of language.

a verbal deluge

Uses 'deluge' to signify a massive and overwhelming outpouring of language.

a snowstorm of verbiage

Implies a blizzard of excessive and often unnecessary words.

a stream of consciousness

Implies a continuous flow of unfiltered thoughts and words.

a thicket of language

Presents language as dense and difficult to navigate.

an effusion of speech

Implies an unrestrained outpouring of spoken language.

a labyrinth of articulation

Conveys the sense of complex and convoluted language.

a maelstrom of discourse

Suggests a chaotic and turbulent mix of ideas and words.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cloud of words" to describe a situation where communication is unclear or overwhelming. For example, "The politician responded with "a cloud of words", making it difficult to understand their stance on the issue."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a flurry of words", "a torrent of words", or "a barrage of words", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a cloud of words" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "a cloud of words" might be more suited for less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider more direct and precise language to avoid potential ambiguity.

What does "a cloud of words" imply about the speaker or writer?

Using "a cloud of words" can suggest that the speaker or writer is being evasive, intentionally confusing, or simply verbose and lacking clarity.