a stream of smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stream of smoke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the billowing of smoke from something like a chimney or a fire. For example, "The fire crackled as a stream of smoke rose from it into the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The man blew a stream of smoke toward the ceiling and laughed.

The New York Times

The next time I went to his apartment, he went into his kitchen and a stream of smoke drifted out.

The New Yorker

"I wonder whether you're telling me the truth?" He inhaled his cigarette, then blew out a stream of smoke.

The Guardian - Books

"It made kind of a U-turn, and then there was a stream of smoke coming from it," she said.

The Guardian

The Guardian also saw a stream of smoke that appeared to be from outgoing rocket fire near Ukrainian positions in Mironivsky.

The Guardian

Hmm?" Glass gazed at him, and drew on his cigarette and turned away and blew a stream of smoke out over the metal balcony rail with a show of indifference.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He flourished the cigar and exhaled a stream of white smoke.

The New Yorker

Not a footfall, not a stream of cigarette smoke, not a whisper of an idea reaches them from the cafés across the river.

The Guardian - Books

Then, there's the voice; like Bacall, Veronica Lake, and Jessica Rabbit before her, Johansson appears to speak to us through a stream of invisible smoke, and her seductive nonappearance as Samantha, in "Her," showed how much body survives in the disembodied.

The New Yorker

"I guess I can't call myself an outsider in a certain way," he admits, blowing out a long stream of smoke.

Los Angeles Times

The burning heather created a swirling stream of smoke that filled the air with a fresh and clean fragrance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stream of smoke" to describe a continuous, linear emission, such as from a chimney or a cigarette. This phrase effectively conveys the image of smoke flowing steadily.

Common error

Avoid using "a stream of smoke" when describing a sudden burst or isolated instance of smoke; instead, consider "a puff of smoke" or "a wisp of smoke" for better accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stream of smoke" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it accurately describes smoke's billowing or continuous emission. It is a descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stream of smoke" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes a continuous flow of smoke. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for depicting smoke emanating from sources like chimneys or cigarettes. The phrase is common in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying a neutral register and primarily serving a descriptive purpose. Related phrases include "a plume of smoke" and "a cloud of smoke", which offer subtly different visual impressions. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a continuous emission rather than a brief puff.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plume of smoke

Focuses on the upward movement and shape of the smoke.

a cloud of smoke

Emphasizes the volume and density of the smoke.

a trail of smoke

Highlights the linear path left by the smoke.

wisps of smoke

Suggests small, faint amounts of smoke.

drifts of smoke

Implies a slow, gentle movement of smoke.

a puff of smoke

Describes a sudden, short burst of smoke.

a column of smoke

Emphasizes the verticality and solidity of the smoke.

billows of smoke

Suggests large, swelling masses of smoke.

a haze of smoke

Describes a thin, obscuring layer of smoke.

smoke rising

Focuses on the action of smoke ascending.

FAQs

How can I use "a stream of smoke" in a sentence?

You can use "a stream of smoke" to describe continuous emissions. For example, "A stream of smoke rose from the campfire, filling the air with a woodsy scent".

What are some alternatives to "a stream of smoke"?

Alternatives include "a plume of smoke", "a cloud of smoke", or "a trail of smoke", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a stream of smoke" versus "a puff of smoke"?

"A stream of smoke" suggests a continuous flow, while "a puff of smoke" describes a brief, isolated emission.

What imagery does "a stream of smoke" evoke?

"A stream of smoke" typically evokes an image of a steady, linear flow, often associated with sources like chimneys, cigarettes, or ongoing fires.