cloud of controversy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloud of controversy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or topic that is surrounded by disagreement, debate, or public scrutiny. Example: "The new policy was introduced under a cloud of controversy, with many citizens voicing their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

In all this cloud of controversy, what are the facts?

The New Yorker

He won a national championship and a Heisman trophy despite a cloud of controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Reid came to Arista as he left, in a cloud of controversy.

The New York Times - Arts

He became his country's first African-American Olympic speedskater, albeit under a cloud of controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Watts read the letter at a news conference in February 1994, saying the cloud of controversy was gone.

The New York Times

But while the forecast for Sunday is sunny, the dark cloud of controversy will hover over this year's mound of frankfurters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is the straight-and-narrow, non-controversial Highland track; with a general election, and clouds of controversy, gathering around the board, it is the only one to follow.

The Guardian

Even before Friday night's bouts, dark clouds of controversy visited these box-offs.

The New York Times - Sports

Evans is seen as a former wild man of broadcasting who famously left breakfast shows on Radio 1 and Virgin Radio under clouds of controversy.

Independent

Huggins and McCarthy also joined the Yankees under clouds of controversy that made as many headlines as the change to Girardi from Torre.

The New York Times

And the inclusion of some real-world details — like the date of the flight and the airline — would have grounded it in reality and kept it out of the clouds of controversy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, follow "cloud of controversy" with an 'over' or 'surrounding' prepositional phrase to illustrate what's being affected by the situation

Common error

Avoid using "cloud of controversy" when describing minor disagreements. This phrase implies a significant and widespread public dispute, not just a simple difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud of controversy" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a situation or person surrounded by significant disagreement or scandal. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility in describing contentious issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloud of controversy" is a widely used expression to describe situations or people facing significant public disagreement or scandal. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears most often in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure its use is reserved for substantial disputes, avoiding overstatement in minor disagreements. Alternatives such as "veil of dispute" or "storm of contention" can offer nuanced variations. Therefore, when aiming to underscore the presence of widespread contention, "cloud of controversy" remains a powerful and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under a veil of dispute

Replaces "cloud" with "veil", implying a less dense but still obscuring layer of disagreement.

amidst a storm of contention

Substitutes "cloud" with "storm", suggesting a more active and turbulent controversy.

engulfed in a wave of scandal

Replaces "controversy" with "scandal", focusing on a discrediting or damaging aspect.

surrounded by a haze of doubt

Uses "haze" instead of "cloud", indicating a less defined but still pervasive sense of uncertainty.

in the shadow of dispute

Employs "shadow" to suggest a less intense but lingering negative effect.

tainted by allegations

Focuses on the damaging effect of accusations, implying a loss of purity or integrity.

facing a maelstrom of criticism

Replaces "controversy" with "criticism", specifying the expression of disapproval.

embroiled in a heated debate

Highlights the engagement in vigorous discussion, often with strong opposing viewpoints.

beset by public outcry

Indicates a strong and adverse reaction from the public.

mired in disagreement

Emphasizes the state of being stuck or entangled in a situation of disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "cloud of controversy" in a sentence?

You can use "cloud of controversy" to describe a situation or person that is surrounded by public disagreement or scandal. For example: "The politician resigned under a "cloud of controversy" following the accusations."

What's the difference between "cloud of controversy" and "shadow of a doubt"?

"Cloud of controversy" refers to a situation surrounded by public disagreement or scandal, while "shadow of a doubt" refers to a lingering uncertainty about something. One implies dispute, the other uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "cloud of controversy"?

You can use alternatives like "veil of dispute", "storm of contention", or "wave of scandal" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cloud of controversy" in formal writing?

Yes, "cloud of controversy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and professional documents, as it accurately conveys a situation involving significant public dispute.