acrid smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

'acrid smoke' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to smoke that has an unpleasant and sharp smell. Example sentence: The acrid smoke drifted through the air, leaving a nauseating stench behind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Acrid smoke filled the air.

The New Yorker

Acrid smoke wafted up from the patient's back.

The New Yorker

Residents burn the rest, enveloping homes in acrid smoke.

The Economist

The smell of acrid smoke marks the raid's completion.

The New York Times

The valley is filled with acrid smoke from damp, smouldering piles of part-burned rubbish.

The Economist

Acrid smoke spewed forth as the third pulled into Atlantic Avenue.

The New York Times

A dark plume of dust rose from the garden and mixed with acrid smoke.

The Guardian

As soon as the acrid smoke wafted up, the tourists ducked inside.

The New York Times

Acrid smoke poured from the manhole and flames rose at least four feet in the air.

The New York Times

All the time guns were blazing and the air was filled with acrid smoke.

The Guardian

Acrid smoke from crematory chimneys is a constant irritation to neighbors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "acrid smoke" to vividly convey the unpleasant and irritating nature of the smoke, creating a stronger sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "acrid smoke" excessively, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with other sensory details or use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acrid smoke" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to convey a specific sensory experience. As noted by Ludwig, it effectively portrays smoke with an unpleasant and sharp smell.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.3%

Reference

0.3%

Wiki

0.4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acrid smoke" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that vividly describes smoke with a sharp, unpleasant odor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media where sensory details enhance descriptions of events or environments. While versatile, it’s advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, opting for synonyms like "pungent fumes" or "bitter smog" to maintain reader engagement. Common in formal and informal writing, the phrase effectively conveys discomfort and irritation, often associated with negative situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pungent fumes

Replaces "acrid" with "pungent", focusing on the sharp, irritating nature of the fumes instead of specifically smoke.

bitter smog

Substitutes "acrid" with "bitter" and "smoke" with "smog", describing a polluted atmosphere with a sharp, unpleasant taste or smell.

choking vapors

Focuses on the effect of the smoke or fumes, emphasizing the difficulty in breathing caused by it.

irritating haze

Replaces "acrid" with "irritating" and "smoke" with "haze", describing a slightly obscured atmosphere that causes discomfort.

noxious emissions

Shifts the focus to the source of the smoke, describing it as harmful or poisonous releases.

burning effluvium

Replaces "acrid" with "burning" and "smoke" with "effluvium", emphasizing a foul-smelling outflow or emanation.

sharp reek

Substitutes "acrid" with "sharp" and "smoke" with "reek", focusing on the strong, unpleasant smell.

foul vapor

Replaces "acrid" with "foul" and "smoke" with "vapor", describing a disgusting or offensive gaseous substance.

stinging cloud

Focuses on the sensation caused by the smoke, emphasizing a sharp, piercing pain or irritation.

caustic fumes

Replaces "acrid" with "caustic" and describes fumes capable of burning or corroding organic tissue by chemical action.

FAQs

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

You can use "acrid smoke" to describe the unpleasant smell and irritating quality of smoke, such as: "The "acrid smoke" from the burning building filled the air", or "The "acrid smoke" made it difficult to breathe".

What are some synonyms for "acrid smoke"?

Alternatives include "pungent fumes", "bitter smog", or "choking vapors". Each emphasizes a different aspect of the unpleasant sensory experience. See more at "pungent fumes", "bitter smog" or "choking vapors".

What kind of smoke is described as "acrid smoke"?

"Acrid smoke" typically describes smoke that is sharp, bitter, and irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. It's commonly associated with burning chemicals, rubber, or other unnatural materials.

Is it appropriate to use "acrid smoke" in formal writing?

Yes, "acrid smoke" is appropriate for formal writing when describing situations where the specific, unpleasant quality of smoke is relevant, especially in news reports, scientific analyses, or descriptive literature.