as light as a cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as light as a cloud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very light in weight or has a delicate quality. Example: "The feather floated gently down, as light as a cloud, landing softly on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Pale and as light as a cloud, it teases the appetite.

The New York Times

The "Emancipation Approximation" has two figures: a black figure is surmounted by a white figure in a dress with an ample skirt who seems both as light as a cloud and a heavy burden.

The New York Times

Other starters include a wonderful fried buffalo ricotta ($7), encased in egg batter and as light as a cloud, and a greaseless, savory fritto misto ($8.50) that offers squid, shrimp and a whole red mullet the size of a titan's cigar.

The New York Times - Food

The cyclical demands, the corporate pressure, "I think it's taking so much happiness and joy out of fashion". His clothes were displayed on mannequins: restrained black dresses with capelets of sable, a black taffeta gown with a billowing train, a black jumpsuit with a trim belt, fur coats that wrapped artfully around the torso and looked as light as a cloud.

The Washington Post

It's a question Japanese architect Junya Ishigami has been trying to answer for the past decade, dreaming of structures that are as light as a cloud, as vast as the sky, as random as the trees in a forest or the stars in the sky.

The Guardian - Arts

Then a truly wonderful gratin of cod and potatoes: the fish flaky and as light as a cloud, the potatoes perfectly cooked, garlic kept subliminal, nutmeg just the tiniest bit overstated, not overly salted.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The wine is soft, fairly simple and as light as a cirrus cloud.

The New York Times

As light as a summer cloud and stuffed with a frankly obscene amount of crème patissière, they're bathed in sugar but not too sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Knitted fur, as light as the clouds screened above the runway, was the theme of the show.

The New York Times

Until a year ago, Eric Lanlard produced formal-looking books about confections as light as clouds, cakes that if you dreamt of trying to make them, you would wake up screaming.

The Guardian - Books

It was almost as light as it is on a dark December noon, when the clouds look like snow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as light as a cloud" to evoke a sense of gentle weightlessness, especially when describing textures, feelings, or movements. This simile is effective for adding a touch of elegance and subtlety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as light as a cloud" in contexts that require a serious or factual tone. Its delicate imagery might undermine the gravity of the subject matter. Choose a more direct and precise descriptor for formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as light as a cloud" primarily functions as a simile, a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "as" or "like". It's used to emphasize the extreme lightness of something by drawing a parallel with the airy and weightless nature of a cloud. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "as light as a cloud" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to depict extreme weightlessness or delicacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and can add a touch of elegance to descriptive writing. While versatile, this simile is most effective in creative or descriptive contexts, being less suitable for formal or serious tones. Related phrases such as ""as weightless as air"" or ""as ethereal as a dream"" offer similar imagery, allowing writers to fine-tune their descriptions. Remember to wield this simile with care, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as weightless as air

Replaces 'light' with 'weightless' and 'cloud' with 'air', emphasizing the lack of weight.

as ethereal as a dream

Substitutes 'light' with 'ethereal' and 'cloud' with 'dream', highlighting the delicate and intangible quality.

as airy as a feather

Replaces 'light' with 'airy' and 'cloud' with 'feather', focusing on the buoyant quality.

as feathery as down

Changes 'light' to 'feathery' and 'cloud' to 'down', stressing softness and lightness.

as buoyant as a balloon

Replaces 'light' with 'buoyant' and 'cloud' with 'balloon', emphasizing the ability to float.

as gossamer as silk

Substitutes 'light' with 'gossamer' and 'cloud' with 'silk', highlighting the delicate and sheer nature.

as floaty as a bubble

Replaces 'light' with 'floaty' and 'cloud' with 'bubble', emphasizing effortless movement in air.

as insubstantial as smoke

Changes 'light' to 'insubstantial' and 'cloud' to 'smoke', stressing the lack of tangible form.

as weightless as a spirit

Replaces 'light' with 'weightless' and 'cloud' with 'spirit', suggesting an ethereal and unburdened state.

as delicate as a snowflake

Substitutes 'light' with 'delicate' and 'cloud' with 'snowflake', highlighting fragility and lightness.

FAQs

How can I use "as light as a cloud" in a sentence?

You can use "as light as a cloud" to describe something that is virtually weightless or has an airy, delicate quality. For example, "The meringue was "as light as a cloud", melting in my mouth instantly."

What are some alternatives to "as light as a cloud"?

Alternatives include "as weightless as air", "as ethereal as a dream", or "as airy as a feather", each offering a slightly different nuance of weightlessness and delicacy.

Is it appropriate to use "as light as a cloud" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as light as a cloud" is generally better suited for creative or descriptive writing. Formal writing may benefit from more precise and less figurative language.

What kind of imagery does "as light as a cloud" evoke?

The phrase "as light as a cloud" evokes imagery of weightlessness, airiness, and gentle movement. It suggests a delicate and almost ethereal quality, making it suitable for describing textures, feelings, or intangible concepts.