a dust cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dust cloud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cloud of dust that is typically created by movement, such as vehicles driving on a dirt road or natural phenomena like a sandstorm. Example: "As the car sped down the unpaved road, a dust cloud rose behind it, obscuring the view for those following."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A car drove by, kicking up a dust cloud.

The New York Times

As she approached a stoplight, a dust cloud came up suddenly from the southwest.

The New Yorker

"Work is for adults" she says sulkily, kicking up a dust cloud.

The Guardian

The shaking produced a dust cloud in Sumner, a suburb on the outskirts of Christchurch.

The Guardian

He monitored the movement of a dust cloud over the Mediterranean.

The New York Times

It photographed a dust cloud that could be giving birth to planets.

The New York Times - Science

The Men are a loud, slouchy rock band with two guitars and a dust cloud around their sound.

The New York Times - Arts

And they're kidding themselves; all they've done is hide their implicit models and prejudices behind a dust cloud.

The New York Times

For example, the artillery unit moves like the real thing, leaving a dust cloud and tread marks in its wake.

The New York Times - Tech

Pursued by a Dust Cloud On Sept. 11, Mr. Au arrived at work at 7 30 a.m., as usual.

The New York Times

The image features a dust cloud of silicon micro-spheres suspended in a plasma and illuminated by laser light.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dust cloud" in descriptive writing, consider the visual and sensory details associated with it: color, density, movement, and the effect it has on the surrounding environment.

Common error

Avoid using "a dust cloud" as a metaphor too frequently. Overuse can weaken the impact. Explore other figures of speech to convey obfuscation or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dust cloud" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it describing both literal dust formations and, metaphorically, states of confusion or obfuscation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dust cloud" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a visible mass of airborne particles, according to Ludwig. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Primarily appearing in News & Media and Science, it can also be found in artistic contexts. While most often referring to literal phenomena, it's sometimes employed metaphorically to describe situations of confusion or obfuscation. Remember to consider the context to ensure clarity and impact when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cloud of dust

Simple rephrasing with slightly different word order, maintaining the same core meaning.

a haze of dust

Replaces "cloud" with "haze", suggesting a less dense and more diffused suspension of dust.

a flurry of dust

Uses "flurry" to imply a sudden and brief burst of dust particles.

a swirl of dust

Emphasizes the rotational movement of the dust particles.

dust storm

Refers to a large-scale weather phenomenon involving significant amounts of dust.

sandstorm

Similar to a dust storm, but specifically involving sand particles.

a veil of dust

Implies that the dust is acting as a covering or obscuring layer.

a smokescreen

Figurative term meaning something that obscures, like literal smoke.

a smokescreen of lies

This alternative is figurative and replaces dust with the concept of lies.

a shroud of dust

Uses "shroud" to suggest a covering associated with concealment or mourning.

FAQs

How can I use "a dust cloud" in a sentence?

You can use "a dust cloud" to describe literal occurrences, such as "The car kicked up "a dust cloud" as it sped down the dirt road", or metaphorically, such as "The scandal created "a dust cloud" of uncertainty around the company's future".

What are some synonyms for "a dust cloud"?

Alternatives to "a dust cloud" include "a cloud of dust", "a haze of dust", or, depending on the context, "a smokescreen" (if used metaphorically).

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

Yes, "a dust cloud" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a literal event. When used metaphorically, consider your audience and ensure the metaphor is clear and effective.

What's the difference between "a dust cloud" and "dust storm"?

"A dust cloud" typically refers to a localized or smaller-scale phenomenon. A "dust storm" is a large-scale weather event characterized by strong winds carrying vast amounts of dust over a considerable distance.