cloud looms over

USAGE SUMMARY

"cloud looms over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a situation in which something bad or ominous is about to happen. For example: "A dark cloud looms over the future of the company, as layoffs have been announced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Suddenly we are faced with uncertainty as a dark cloud looms over our once comfortable lives.

The Guardian

Coming all at once, however, a cloud looms over the entire industry, making it vulnerable to complete collapse.

The New York Times

He says he intends to fight abuses of power and corruption, in a newly competitive parliament.A darker cloud looms over the genteel country: the diamonds that made the country rich are quickly running out.

The Economist

"A dark cloud looms over the purple mountains' majesty," he added.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As spectators filed in, ominous clouds loomed over a portrait of Prefontaine on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images 3.20pm BST Thunder clouds loom over Greenwich Park during the second qualifier of individual jumping.

The Guardian - Sport

Tall smokestacks spitting gray clouds loom over a landscape of ugly concrete tenements; the air is noticeably sootier than in the rest of Cairo.

The New York Times - Magazine

Social media was swamped with pictures of huge, dark clouds looming over the harbour city, as the storm plunged a 25 degrees summers day into darkness.

Independent

A TELEVISION campaign in the 1980s showed a volcano exploding and dark clouds looming over a blackened tombstone chiselled with the word AIDS.

The Economist

Snow-capped peaks shrouded in clouds loom over a plain studded with small stupas; the scope of the Tibetan vista makes America's Big Sky country look small.

The New York Times - Travel

Despite the Greek bailout package agreed last week between eurozone finance ministers, dark clouds looming over the global economy have yet to disappear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloud looms over" to create a sense of unease or anticipation when discussing potential negative future events. It is more effective when the threat is not yet fully realized but is perceived as probable.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase excessively in a short piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make the writing seem melodramatic or cliché. Balance it with more direct language for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud looms over" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe an impending sense of danger, uncertainty, or negativity. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples show it frequently appears in contexts related to potential future problems.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cloud looms over" is a figurative expression used to convey an impending sense of threat or negativity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in writing, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is useful for creating a sense of unease and anticipation, it should be used judiciously to avoid overuse. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "gathering storm" or "impending doom" to maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathering storm

This alternative evokes a sense of increasing tension and impending chaos.

impending doom

This alternative is more dramatic and emphasizes the inevitability of a negative outcome.

ominous signs appear

Emphasizes the presence of indications that something bad is likely to happen.

trouble is brewing

This suggests that negative events are developing gradually and subtly.

a crisis is imminent

Implies a more urgent and immediate threat than "cloud looms over".

difficult times are ahead

Focuses on the future and implies a period of hardship.

on the horizon

Suggests that something is approaching but is not necessarily negative.

bad news is coming

More direct and less metaphorical than "cloud looms over".

danger approaches

A more literal and direct way of expressing an impending threat.

threat is present

Focuses on an existing threat rather than one that is developing.

FAQs

How can I use "cloud looms over" in a sentence?

You can use "cloud looms over" to describe a situation where something negative or threatening is likely to happen. For instance, "A dark cloud looms over the company after the scandal."

What does it mean when a "cloud looms over" something?

It means that there is a strong sense of impending trouble or misfortune. The situation is not yet dire, but there are clear indications that it could become so.

What can I say instead of "cloud looms over"?

You can use alternatives like "impending doom", "gathering storm", or "trouble is brewing" depending on the context.

Is "cloud looms over" a formal or informal expression?

"Cloud looms over" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for news reports and general writing. It might be slightly less appropriate in highly formal academic papers or very informal conversations.