clouded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouded by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is made unclear or difficult to understand because of the presence of another factor. For example, "The issue was clouded by disagreement among the members of the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Joan's last years were clouded by dementia.

The Guardian

But her memories are clouded by tragedy.

The New York Times - Sports

But its historical memory has been clouded by its upheavals.

The New York Times

But lofty visions were clouded by hard feelings.

The New York Times - Sports

Even before it was built, Antilia was clouded by controversy.

The New York Times

But the performance has been clouded by controversy.

The New York Times

He was almost completely blind, his eyes clouded by cataracts.

The New York Times

But OLPC has been clouded by doubts from the start.

The New York Times - Arts

Or Rachel herself whose memories are clouded by booze?

Independent

But the celebration was clouded by some grim news.

The New Yorker

"My world is clouded by you," he tells Eleanor.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clouded by", ensure that the factors causing the obscuration are clearly identified to maintain clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "clouded by" in passive voice, which can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider using active voice to directly show how something obscures another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouded by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is obscured, influenced, or negatively affected by another factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clouded by" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that expresses how one thing is obscured or negatively influenced by another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing, and its presence in diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicates its broad applicability. When using "clouded by", ensure that you clearly identify the obscuring factors to maintain clarity and impact in your writing. Common alternatives include "obscured by" and "overshadowed by", each offering slight nuances in meaning. Steer clear of overuse in passive constructions to keep your writing strong and direct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscured by

Focuses on making something less clear or visible.

overshadowed by

Highlights the dominance of one thing over another, leading to obscurity.

marred by

Emphasizes the damage or imperfection caused by something.

tainted by

Suggests a negative impact on the purity or integrity of something.

compromised by

Indicates a weakening or undermining of something's quality or effectiveness.

dimmed by

Focuses on the reduction of brightness or clarity.

complicated by

Emphasizes the added complexity and difficulty introduced by something.

muddied by

Highlights the confusion and lack of clarity created by something.

inhibited by

Focuses on the restriction or prevention of something's progress or development.

veiled by

Suggests that something is covered or concealed, making it difficult to perceive.

FAQs

How can I use "clouded by" in a sentence?

You can use "clouded by" to describe how something is obscured or negatively affected by another factor. For example, "The investigation was clouded by conflicting evidence."

What are some alternatives to "clouded by"?

Alternatives include "obscured by", "overshadowed by", or "marred by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "clouded by" and "obscured by"?

"Clouded by" suggests a more emotional or psychological impact, while "obscured by" often refers to a more literal lack of clarity or visibility. Context determines the best choice.

Is "clouded by" formal or informal?

"Clouded by" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread across various types of writing, from news articles to academic papers.