cloud of powder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloud of powder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible mass of fine particles, often in contexts related to dust, smoke, or other powdered substances. Example: "As the explosion occurred, a massive cloud of powder filled the air, obscuring visibility for several moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"After firing the sixth shot Goldsborough paused an instant to glance at his victim through the cloud of powder smoke, then stepped to the curb," The New York World reported under one of the many blaring headlines that appeared throughout the country.

The New York Times - Books

I sat with her surrounded by remnants of her long life until she fell asleep on a cloud of powder blue sheets, and I let out a sigh as long as time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were soon swooping down between the trees and slashing each other with huge clouds of powder.

The Guardian - Travel

The clouds of powder, smelling like talcum, that billowed from the dancer as he pivoted had an eerie beauty, as did the stage-filling slashes of light designed by Horst Mühlberg and the bolts of fabric and the few but handsome small props that figured in Maciej Fiszer's set design.

The New York Times - Arts

Also that day, a woman walking to her car parked at the Danbury Fair mall reported kicking up a cloud of white powder after stepping on a plastic bag.

The New York Times

Mr. Kwaku Bonsam, who had been listening quietly, suddenly pounded his fist on the coffee table, raising a small cloud of baby powder.

The New York Times

"Blow" is just a series of strung-together episodes, and now and then Demme throws in the towel and resorts to a rapid montage of shots meant to convey the giddy drug life — a flashing breast or two, a dominatrix with a whip, a cloud of white powder.

The New Yorker

I could make out little of the men's shot put on Friday night, for instance, not because it was half a stadium away but because, even through binoculars, it appeared to be an international convention of bartenders, staged inside a cloud of talcum powder.

The New Yorker

Describing his version, Mr Castellucci had said movement in the piece would come from a cloud of bone powder instead of dancers.

BBC

With the winds gone, Nevarl attacks Laurent with a cloud of sleep powder and kills its king, Joster.

Wikipedia

Local TV images showed the crowd of migrants jostling to get away from clouds of white powder, sprayed from fire extinguishers by police trying to disperse the crowd.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an explosion or sudden release of material, use "cloud of powder" to vividly portray the immediate visual impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cloud of powder" metaphorically when simpler, more direct language would be clearer. Reserve it for literal descriptions of powder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud of powder" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a mass of fine particles suspended in the air or settled on a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloud of powder" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a mass of fine particles, often evoking a visual and sensory experience. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While versatile, it's best reserved for literal descriptions to avoid metaphorical overuse. Alternative phrases include "dust cloud" and "powdery haze", offering nuanced variations. With a neutral register and widespread use across news, science, and general media, "cloud of powder" remains a reliable and evocative descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dust cloud

Replaces "powder" with "dust", focusing on a specific type of fine particle.

powdery haze

Emphasizes the hazy appearance caused by the powder.

mist of powder

Uses "mist" to suggest a lighter, less dense cloud.

haze of dust

Combines "haze" with "dust" to convey a fine, dusty cloud.

fine particulate suspension

More technical term emphasizing the suspension of particles.

shower of powder

Suggests a falling or descending motion of the powder.

smog of powder

Implies a dense, potentially harmful cloud of powder.

scattering of powder

Suggests a dispersed arrangement of powder particles.

layer of dust

Focuses on the settled accumulation of powder rather than its airborne state.

film of powder

Emphasizes a thin coating of powder on a surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "cloud of powder" to describe a visible mass of fine particles. For example, "The explosion created a huge "cloud of powder" that obscured the sun".

What's a good alternative to "cloud of powder"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "dust cloud", "powdery haze", or "mist of powder".

Is it more accurate to say "cloud of powder" or "dust cloud"?

While both can be accurate, "dust cloud" specifically refers to a cloud made of dust. "Cloud of powder" is more general and can refer to any type of powder.

Can "cloud of powder" have negative connotations?

Yes, depending on the type of powder. A "cloud of bone powder", or a "cloud of volcanic ash" may suggest dangerous or unpleasant scenarios.