canopy of clouds

USAGE SUMMARY

"canopy of clouds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, covering layer of clouds in the sky. Example sentence: The sun peeked through the breaks in the canopy of clouds, casting a warm glow over the landscape below.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When the canopy of clouds finally lifted, I understood what had drawn him back to Walcheren.

The New York Times - Travel

We were utterly content to just be there at all, under a canopy of clouds lit from below by the city lights and from above by a full moon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She's now settled and ready to record her third album, but admits that one of the things she likes best about Manchester is how easy it is to travel elsewhere: "As a California girl, I find it hard to stay under that canopy of cloud".

The Guardian - Music

It was a steady rain, falling from a canopy of granite clouds that hovered over the team's minor league complex, across the street from Steinbrenner Field.

The New York Times - Sports

Under a canopy of puffy clouds, the city skyline is seen from the Dorothea Dix property in Raleigh in 2015.

Huffington Post

But even early on, an ominous canopy of puffy clouds served as a warning of what was to come.

Vice

Upon entry, an darkening canopy of puffy clouds served as a warning of what was to come, ominously looming over the 14 official stages (plus a few more unannounced).

Vice

He has also designed and produced a canopy made out of clouds.

The New York Times

It was the bottom of the ninth of a scoreless game under a canopy of threatening black clouds, but the thousands of fans who had traveled from throughout New York City to Coney Island to watch the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Williamsport Crosscutters did not seem to mind.

The New York Times

Forecasting of Winifred's track was impeded by the presence of a canopy of persistent high-level cirrus clouds shielding the eye and rainbands of the cyclone throughout its course, leading to inaccuracies in locating the cyclone's centre through satellite observations.

Wikipedia

She swivels around, scanning both shores till she finds a fixed point, the pale white tower of the seminary all the way up on Stony Street emerging suddenly from the clouds and the canopy of the distant trees, which means she has to go in... that direction, there, behind her now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "canopy of clouds" when you want to evoke a sense of enclosure or covering by the clouds, similar to how a forest canopy provides shade and shelter. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "canopy of clouds" to simply mean 'lots of clouds'. The phrase implies a structured covering, like a roof, not just a general abundance of clouds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "canopy of clouds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element within a sentence. It paints a picture of the sky being covered by a layer of clouds, similar to a canopy of trees. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "canopy of clouds" is a valid and descriptive phrase used to depict a sky covered by a layer of clouds, similar to a forest canopy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, serving to create vivid imagery and set atmospheric conditions. While not overly common, its use is grammatically sound and contributes effectively to descriptive writing. Remember, the phrase evokes a sense of enclosure or covering, and should not be used to simply mean 'lots of clouds'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloud cover

Replaces the image of a canopy with a more general term for cloud coverage.

overcast sky

Focuses on the resulting sky condition rather than the structure of the clouds.

cloud ceiling

Emphasizes the lower limit of the cloud cover, like a ceiling.

layer of clouds

Describes the clouds as a stratum or layer.

sky filled with clouds

A more descriptive, less metaphorical alternative.

heavily clouded sky

Highlights the density of cloud cover.

blanket of clouds

Uses a different metaphor to convey a covering effect.

mass of clouds

Emphasizes the sheer volume of clouds.

collection of clouds

Draws attention to the clouds assembled together.

aggregation of clouds

Suggests that clouds are gathered together in one location.

FAQs

How can I use "canopy of clouds" in a sentence?

You can use "canopy of clouds" to describe a sky where clouds form a covering layer, such as: "The sun struggled to penetrate the thick "canopy of clouds"." It's useful for evoking a sense of enclosure or an obscured sky.

What's a good alternative to "canopy of clouds"?

Alternatives include "cloud cover", which is a more general term, or "overcast sky", which focuses on the resulting sky condition.

Is "canopy of clouds" a formal or informal expression?

"Canopy of clouds" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially in descriptive writing where imagery is important. The choice depends on the overall tone of your text.

What does "canopy of clouds" imply about the weather?

The phrase "canopy of clouds" often suggests a sky where the sun is obscured or partially obscured, creating a dimmer, more diffused light. It can also imply potential for rain or a change in weather conditions.