a foul mist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foul mist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mist that is unpleasant or has a negative connotation, often in a literary or atmospheric context. Example: "As they entered the haunted forest, a foul mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision and filling the air with a sense of dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A foul?

The New York Times - Sports

A foul is a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

"A foul in England is a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

He's also a foul, foul kid.

The New Yorker

Foul trouble became "a foul situation".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a foul.

Independent

A foul was called.

The New York Times - Sports

Booked for a foul.

Independent

"It was a foul.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a foul habit.

The Economist

A foul, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a foul mist" in creative writing, consider the sensory details that make the mist unpleasant. Describe its color, smell, and texture to create a vivid image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a foul mist" simply as a synonym for "bad weather". Ensure the mist itself contributes to the unpleasantness, rather than just being present during an event.

Linguistic Context

A foul mist" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "foul", which denotes something unpleasant or offensive, with the noun "mist", describing a weather phenomenon. It evokes a sensory experience and creates a specific atmosphere or setting. Though there are no exact examples in Ludwig, the AI suggests it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foul mist" is a descriptive phrase that paints a picture of an unpleasant atmospheric condition, combining "foul", meaning offensive, with "mist", a meteorological phenomenon. While grammatically sound, as affirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in descriptive or narrative contexts aiming to evoke feelings of unease or disgust. Due to its descriptive nature, it may be less suitable for formal or technical writing. Despite limited direct examples from Ludwig, the analysis suggests it's used to establish a negative tone. Consider sensory details when employing this phrase to enhance its impact. As there are no exact examples, the usage is labelled as missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noxious haze

Replaces "mist" with "haze" to emphasize a thicker, less transparent atmospheric condition, while "noxious" specifies the harmful nature.

an unpleasant fog

Uses "fog" instead of "mist" suggesting denser, heavier air, and "unpleasant" replaces "foul" with a more general term for something disagreeable.

a sickening smog

Changes "mist" to "smog", indicating pollution, and "foul" to "sickening" to highlight the effect on health.

a disgusting vapor

Substitutes "mist" with "vapor" for a more scientific feel, and "foul" with "disgusting" for a stronger emotional response.

a repulsive miasma

Employs "miasma" to denote a noxious atmosphere, often associated with disease, and "repulsive" to amplify the negative sensation.

a fetid cloud

Replaces "mist" with "cloud", suggesting a larger mass, and "foul" with "fetid", stressing a putrid odor.

a rank fog

Replaces "mist" with "fog", and "foul" with "rank" to emphasize a strong, unpleasant smell or taste.

a tainted haze

Replaces "mist" with "haze" and "foul" with "tainted" to suggest contamination or corruption.

a putrid exhalation

Uses "exhalation" to describe something emitted, often breath or vapor, and "putrid" to suggest decay and rot.

a vile atmosphere

Broadens the term to "atmosphere" and uses "vile" to express extreme unpleasantness or wickedness.

FAQs

How can I use "a foul mist" in a sentence?

You can use "a foul mist" to describe an unpleasant atmospheric condition. For example, "A foul mist rolled in from the swamp, bringing with it a terrible stench."

What words can I use instead of "foul" in "a foul mist"?

You can replace "foul" with words like "noxious", "unpleasant", "sickening", or "repulsive" to convey similar meanings, depending on the nuance you want to express.

Is it appropriate to use "a foul mist" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a foul mist" might be more suited for creative or descriptive writing. In formal writing, consider more precise or technical terms depending on the context.

What is the difference between "a foul mist" and "a thick mist"?

"A foul mist" specifically describes a mist that is unpleasant or offensive, while "a thick mist" simply describes the density or visibility of the mist.