cloud of sawdust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cloud of sawdust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where sawdust is present in the air, often in a woodworking or construction context. Example: "As the carpenter worked on the project, a cloud of sawdust filled the workshop, making it difficult to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

LONDON — If a cloud of sawdust seems to hang over the Old Vic Theater these days, that's because Kevin Spacey is chewing his way through the scenery there like an atomic termite.

The New York Times

There is a run of mountains on the top and bottom of the rim — the peaks of the laminations alternate with the ski runs of now-dried glue that the rim press squeezed out.... Nozil's task is to steer the entire rim around a fast-spinning cutting head that makes the floor shake beneath his feet and sends a cloud of sawdust floating toward the ceiling".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A producer can get a backdrop made in minutes in the downstairs workshop, where, amid clouds of sawdust, I noticed a large wooden letter.

The New Yorker

On this slim connection, Chinedu asked the man if he knew of any jobs, and he was taken to the sawmill, where he began at once, working long days amid the scream of the ripsaw and burning clouds of sawdust, sleeping outside at night on a stack of hardwood planks.

The New Yorker

These books will suit those on your gift list -- whether they are the sort who like to pore through albums of rarefied silver clocks, to churn up clouds of sawdust while woodworking or to imagine themselves aloft over 1950's megalopolises -- and some of them might even be a necessary addition to your own library.

The New York Times

Clouds of pine sawdust floated over the city.

Forbes

California is closing in on us & sooner or later is bound to sweep by, leaving us choking in a cloud of composed equally of redwood sawdust and smog.

The New Yorker

He knew the smell of sawdust.

The New Yorker

Additional jars of sawdust are available through the company.

The New York Times - Tech

The smell of sawdust wafted from a nearby boatyard.

The New York Times - Travel

2. Reconstruction of Alexander Hamilton's house (which has been relocated twice): whiff of sawdust.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing woodworking or construction environments, use the phrase "cloud of sawdust" to vividly portray the presence of airborne particles resulting from sawing or sanding.

Common error

Avoid using "cloud of sawdust" metaphorically in situations that don't relate to woodworking or dusty environments. Instead, choose imagery that is more relevant to the situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloud of sawdust" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a descriptive element within a sentence. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing physical environments or activities related to woodworking and construction. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloud of sawdust" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, though it is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most often used to describe woodworking or construction environments, creating a vivid image of airborne wood particles. While versatile, its best to reserve its use to more literal contexts. Semantically related alternatives include "haze of sawdust" or "sawdust cloud". Predominantly seen in News & Media and Science sources, it's register is neutral, providing a descriptive element to relevant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sawdust cloud

Reverses the order of words while maintaining the core meaning.

haze of sawdust

Replaces "cloud" with "haze", suggesting a less dense concentration.

shower of sawdust

Replaces "cloud" with "shower", implying a falling movement of sawdust.

airborne sawdust

Focuses on the fact that the sawdust is suspended in the air.

dusting of sawdust

Implies a light covering of sawdust, rather than airborne particles.

fine sawdust particles

Emphasizes the small size and individual nature of the sawdust.

sawdust-filled atmosphere

Describes an environment saturated with sawdust.

fine wood dust

Similar to woodworking dust but specifies the size of the particles.

woodworking dust

Broadens the scope to include any fine particles created by woodworking.

sawmill smog

More figurative phrase which represents the general idea of an atmospheric condition generated by woodworking activity.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar situation without using the phrase "cloud of sawdust"?

You could use terms like "haze of sawdust", "shower of sawdust", or "airborne sawdust" depending on the density and movement of the particles.

Is it appropriate to use "cloud of sawdust" in a metaphorical sense?

While technically grammatically correct, using "cloud of sawdust" metaphorically might be confusing if the context has nothing to do with woodworking or dust. Choose a metaphor that better reflects the situation you're describing.

What is the difference between "cloud of sawdust" and "dust cloud"?

"Cloud of sawdust" specifically refers to airborne particles from wood, whereas "dust cloud" is a more general term for any type of dust suspended in the air.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "cloud of sawdust"?

This phrase is most fitting when describing environments where wood is being cut or sanded, such as a woodworking shop, construction site, or sawmill.