cloud up

USAGE SUMMARY

"cloud up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a phrasal verb meaning to become cloudy. For example, "The sky clouded up just before the thunderstorm arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Geoengineers would need to leave the cloud up for a long time, which could get tricky.

The Economist

"The visibility, from one moment to the next, can cloud up," General Carreno said.

The New York Times

I drove onto the Utah National Guard's Camp Williams base to see the concrete data cloud up close.

The New York Times

But last spring, as the real estate picture began to cloud up, the company issued a daunting statement to homeowners.

The New York Times

Even after the dredging has waned, the artificial islands — sand piles, really — will continue to shed detritus into the adjacent waters, causing them to cloud up and making life harder for photosynthesizers.

The New Yorker

Even after the dredging has waned, the artificial islands—sand piles, really will continue to shed detritus into the adjacent waters, causing them to cloud up and making life harder for photosynthesizers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It's clouding up," he says.

The Guardian

Often there are too many signs, or a bright omen clouds up too fast.

The New York Times - Books

"As hard as we try to bring clarity," Mr. Clinton said, "they're really good at clouding up".

The New York Times

I'm taking a few days out and off the internet because it's clouding up my brain.

The Guardian - Books

Then we record bacterial growth in all the samples (e.g., by measuring the increase in optical density as the culture medium clouds up due to the bacteria).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloud up" to describe a visible change in the sky or water, indicating a darkening or obscuring effect. For example, "The sky began to cloud up as the storm approached."

Common error

Avoid using "cloud up" too abstractly. While it can be used metaphorically to describe situations becoming unclear, ensure it aligns with the primary meaning of a darkening or obscuring visual effect. Using phrases like "become complicated" or "get confused" can be more appropriate in certain non-visual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cloud up" is as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a change in state. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in describing atmospheric conditions or the clarity of a liquid.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloud up" is a commonly used phrasal verb that means to become cloudy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for describing changes in weather or the clarity of liquids. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but it is versatile enough for general usage. Be mindful of overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "become overcast" or "grow cloudy" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become overcast

Focuses specifically on the sky condition turning dark with clouds.

grow cloudy

Emphasizes the process of becoming filled with clouds.

darken with clouds

Highlights the visual effect of increasing cloud cover.

fill with clouds

Describes the action of clouds accumulating.

become dim

Indicates a reduction in light due to cloud cover.

grow murky

Suggests a loss of clarity, similar to clouding.

turn gray

Focuses on the change in color associated with increasing cloud cover.

shadow over

Emphasizes the obscuring effect of clouds.

become obscure

Suggests that clouds are hiding something from view.

gather clouds

Describes the action of clouds accumulating.

FAQs

What does "cloud up" mean?

The phrasal verb "cloud up" means to become cloudy, often referring to the sky or water. It suggests a darkening or obscuring effect due to the formation or accumulation of clouds.

How can I use "cloud up" in a sentence?

You can use "cloud up" to describe the weather, for example: "The sky began to cloud up before the rain started." Or you can describe water becoming murky: "The baby oil will cloud up the water in a short amount of time."

What are some synonyms for "cloud up"?

Some synonyms for "cloud up" include "become overcast", "grow cloudy", or "darken with clouds". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "clouding up"?

Yes, "clouding up" is the present participle form of the verb "cloud up" and is perfectly correct. You might say, "It's clouding up," to indicate that the sky is currently becoming cloudy.