a thick smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thick smoke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dense or heavy presence of smoke in a particular area, often in contexts related to fire or pollution. Example: "As we approached the burning building, we were met with a thick smoke that made it difficult to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Behind a thick smoke screen of rhetoric, France is tiptoeing toward austerity.

The New York Times

"This project has been cloaked in a thick smoke screen from the very start.

The Guardian

Another trick was a 1920s cloaking device: the driver would pull a lever that poured oil on the hot exhaust to generate a thick smoke cloud.

The New York Times

He turned and watched flames engulf the roof of the engine room in one spectacular spasm; within seconds, a thick smoke had swallowed the entire port side of the deck and shrouded acres of the sunlit sawgrass prairie to the southeast.

The New Yorker

(Maybe the BBC more so, not just mugged off, but negligent, as has pointed out).Somehow – incredibly, appallingly – Savile used his celebrity and his influence, his connections, his charity work, his instinct for vulnerability and choice of victims, the times he operated in, his eccentricity, that bloody cigar – to put up a thick smoke screen, and get away with it until after his death.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Drained peat, which is rich in carbon, can burn for weeks or months, producing a thick smoke.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You can also use little cigars (cigarillos) to get a thicker smoke.

WikiHow

And a smothering, thick smoke poured over Boylston Street.

Huffington Post

Mohammed Asif, a shopkeeper who saw the explosion, said, "There was a big flash followed by a huge and thick smoke and a very strong explosion".

The New York Times

A lot of thick smoke has gathered - we need to know whether there is a fire here.

Huffington Post

Mr. Silva felt his way through his apartment and opened a window, but thick smoke billowed in, apparently driven by the strong morning winds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a fire or explosion, use "a thick smoke" to vividly portray the intensity and density of the smoke, creating a strong visual for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adjectives to describe smoke, as it can sound redundant. Instead of "a dark, thick, billowing smoke", consider using just "a thick smoke" or "a billowing smoke" for a more concise and impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thick smoke" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It vividly portrays the density and physical characteristic of smoke. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thick smoke" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich descriptive phrase, typically used to evoke vivid imagery of dense smoke in contexts like fires or industrial accidents. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While alternatives like "dense smoke" and "heavy smoke" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in reporting and descriptive journalism. While "a thick smoke" is fairly common and correct, it's vital to avoid redundancy by overusing descriptive adjectives alongside it. Remember this to add punch to your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dense smoke

Focuses on the density of the smoke, omitting the adjective "thick".

heavy smoke

Emphasizes the weight or intensity of the smoke, not just its thickness.

a dense cloud of smoke

Adds the element of a cloud, emphasizing the mass of the smoke.

a heavy pall of smoke

Uses "pall" to describe the covering effect of the smoke, suggesting a somber or ominous atmosphere.

a thick haze

Describes a lighter concentration of smoke, less intense than "smoke".

a choking smoke

Highlights the effect of the smoke on breathing.

a billowing smoke

Focuses on the movement and volume of the smoke.

a suffocating smoke

Emphasizes the dangerous and overwhelming nature of the smoke.

a acrid smoke

Emphasizes the irritating smell or taste of the smoke.

a murky smoke

Describes the lack of clarity or visibility due to the smoke.

FAQs

How can I use "a thick smoke" in a sentence?

"A thick smoke" is typically used to describe the density of smoke, often in situations involving fire, explosions, or industrial pollution. For instance: "A thick smoke billowed from the factory, obscuring the sky."

What are some alternatives to "a thick smoke"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dense smoke", "heavy smoke", or "a thick haze", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "dense smoke" or "a thick smoke"?

Both "dense smoke" and "a thick smoke" are acceptable. "Dense smoke" emphasizes the density of the smoke, while "a thick smoke" describes its physical characteristic of being thick or heavy.

In what contexts is "a thick smoke" commonly used?

"A thick smoke" is frequently used in news reports, descriptions of natural disasters like wildfires, and industrial accidents to depict visually intense and often dangerous situations. You can also see it in fictional works, especially when describing post-apocalyptic scenarios or industrial zones.