cloud of dirt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloud of dirt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible mass of dirt or dust that is suspended in the air, often as a result of movement or disturbance. Example: "As the truck drove by, it kicked up a cloud of dirt that obscured our view of the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As the earth erupted in a puff of smoke just three feet away, Master-at-Arms First Class Leroy Williams Jr. found himself flying backward in an angry cloud of dirt and debris.

The New York Times

No matter how great one's subsequent life turns out to be, memories like that will follow you around, like the cloud of dirt that follows Pig-Pen in the "Peanuts" cartoons.

The New Yorker

We were a few hundred yards away when a jet dove, and the bomb hit — a dud, evidently, for there was a great cloud of dirt and dust, but no fireball, and, thankfully, no casualties, so far as we knew.

The New Yorker

On a couple of test runs in the yard of a home here belonging to a friend of Mr. Martin, the jetpack jumped off the ground as if impatient to get moving, scattering a cloud of dirt and grass clippings.

The New York Times

Lately, bad news seems to follow Electronic Data Systems the way the smelly cloud of dirt clings to the Pigpen character in Peanuts.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Black clouds of dirt were whipped over the plains by a storm of gale velocity.

The New York Times

Runners at first and second sprint forward, kicking up clouds of dirt.

The New York Times

They run around barefoot in the clouds of dirt with their messy yellow hair like everyone else.

The New York Times - Travel

By the end of the afternoon, the worshipers hugged one another and filed out into the street, singing as their footsteps kicked up small clouds of dirt.

The New York Times

For a lookout, red herrings abound: clouds of dirt from logging vehicles, for example, or "water dogs," wisps of steam that rise, smokelike, from valley floors.

The New York Times

Fire shot into the sky, and raining from the clouds of dirt and smoke were shell casings and mangled steel and splintered wood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "cloud of dirt", "dust cloud", or "plume of dust". "Cloud of dirt" is best when the particles are visibly larger and soil-like.

Common error

While acceptable, "cloud of dirt" can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider using "particulate suspension" or "airborne soil particles" for a more technical tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud of dirt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a tangible phenomenon—a mass of soil particles suspended in air. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloud of dirt" is a grammatically sound and understandable noun phrase used to describe a mass of soil particles suspended in the air. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the expression is usable in written English, although it tends to be more common in news and media contexts than in formal writing. For more technical or academic contexts, consider alternatives like "airborne soil" or "particulate suspension". Remember that while the phrase is understandable across many situations, considering the audience and purpose of your writing will help you select the most appropriate wording. While grammatically correct, its occurrences are rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dust cloud

Slightly more general term, referring to a cloud composed of fine particles.

dirt cloud

Direct synonym, with the words reordered.

plume of dust

Emphasizes the upward movement of the dust, forming a column.

dust plume

Similar to plume of dust, indicating an upward surge of fine material.

dust devil

Refers to a specific type of swirling cloud of dust, often smaller than a cloud of dirt from explosion.

billow of dust

Emphasizes the swelling, wave-like movement of the dust.

dirt storm

Highlights the intensity and scale of the event.

gust of dirt

Highlights the sudden burst and dispersion of dirt.

ground dust

Focuses on the dust coming from the ground.

airborne soil

A more technical term for soil particles suspended in the air.

FAQs

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

You can use "cloud of dirt" to describe a visible mass of soil particles suspended in the air, for example, "The explosion created a massive "cloud of dirt" and debris.".

What's the difference between "cloud of dirt" and "cloud of dust"?

While similar, "cloud of dirt" implies larger, more visible soil particles, whereas "cloud of dust" suggests finer particles. The choice depends on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to using "cloud of dirt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dust cloud", "plume of dust", or "dirt cloud".

Is it correct to say "cloud of dirt" or should I use another phrase?

Yes, "cloud of dirt" is a correct and understandable phrase. However, consider the formality of your writing. In more formal contexts, "airborne soil" or "particulate suspension" might be more appropriate.