a wisp of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wisp of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very small or delicate amount of something, often referring to a thin strand or trace. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in descriptions of nature, emotions, or physical objects. Example: As the sun set, a wisp of pink clouds floated in the sky. In this sentence, "a wisp of pink clouds" is used to describe a small, delicate amount of clouds in the sky during sunset. The phrase adds a sense of fragrance and delicacy to the description, giving a more vivid image to the reader.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a wisp of hope.

The Guardian - Travel

A wisp of an idea.

The New York Times - Magazine

A wisp of pot smoke punctuated the brackish air.

The New Yorker

"Let's have dry Martinis with a wisp of lime".

The New York Times - Magazine

As Cressida, she was a wisp of rippling carnality.

The Guardian

Sullivan has built a wisp of a show.

The New Yorker

Evergreen needles trapped in a wisp of snow.

The New York Times

But for a wisp of good luck, those books would not have been published.

The New York Times

It is like a wisp of flame, almost but not quite extinguished.

The New Yorker

A wisp of an oxygen atmosphere has also been detected by spectrographic techniques.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A wisp of smoke pirouetted from its Hobbit chimney on the roof.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wisp of" to add a delicate and subtle touch to your descriptions. It's effective when you want to convey a sense of lightness or fragility.

Common error

Avoid using "a wisp of" excessively in formal or technical writing. While evocative, it can sometimes be perceived as overly descriptive and less precise than more direct alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wisp of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small, delicate amount or trace of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wisp of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a small, delicate amount or trace. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's most appropriate in descriptive writing and less so in formal or technical contexts. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its effectiveness in adding nuance and detail to various narratives. Remember to consider the context and desired tone when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Replaces 'wisp' with 'hint', suggesting a subtle indication rather than a physical trace.

a trace of

Emphasizes the idea of a minimal quantity or remaining sign.

a touch of

Implies a slight addition or presence, often used for intangible qualities.

a shred of

Suggests a very small piece or fragment, highlighting incompleteness.

a glimmer of

Highlights a faint or fleeting sign, often used for hope or light.

a shadow of

Indicates a faint presence or remaining influence.

a breath of

Conveys a light and airy presence, often used for freshness or life.

a dash of

Suggests a small quantity added for flavor or effect.

an iota of

Emphasizes an extremely small or insignificant amount.

a speck of

Refers to a tiny particle or spot, highlighting its small size.

FAQs

How can I use "a wisp of" in a sentence?

Use "a wisp of" to describe a small or faint amount of something, like "a wisp of smoke" or "a wisp of hope".

What are some alternatives to "a wisp of"?

Consider using phrases like "a hint of", "a trace of", or "a touch of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a wisp of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a wisp of" might be more suitable for creative writing or descriptions. In formal contexts, consider more precise terms that avoid potential ambiguity.

What does "a wisp of" typically describe?

"A wisp of" is often used to describe something light, airy, or barely there, such as "a wisp of hair" or "a wisp of an idea".