clouds hovering above

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'clouds hovering above' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe a scene in which clouds are visible in the sky. For example: The sun was setting and the sky was painted with a beautiful canvas of oranges and pinks, with clouds hovering above.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The April sky was blue, puffy white clouds hovering above the dome of the Capitol behind us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Heather F. Wetzel used the 19th-century technique of ruby ambrotype to render dark clouds hovering above Lake Elizabeth, the trapezoidal gem designed by Mr. Simonds for the 1967 renewal of the Allegheny Commons in Pittsburgh.

The New York Times - Arts

Then comes the Earth - clouds hovering above the ocean, south of French Polynesia.

BBC

I kept seeing Studio Ghibli's translucent clouds hovering above my bike's handlebars.

Vice

Vast stretches of pure air swept far across the valley, to a line of clouds hovering above the distant Nass River.

Vice

He was right, they looked like grayish-green clouds hovering above the water, but they were still bright enough to reflect on the surface, and illuminate the mountain next to it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Low clouds hovered above the mountains in the waning light.

The Economist

Storm clouds hover above the twisty streets bustling with bike taxis, grocery-carting pedestrians and classic cars.

Los Angeles Times

And then I noticed a dark threatening cloud hovering above.

The New York Times

He was like a hapless fellow in a cartoon, a personal rain cloud hovering above him wherever he went.

The New York Times - Sports

The image shows a long band of horizontal cloud hovering above a river that snakes its way through a flat windswept landscape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds hovering above" to create a sense of atmosphere or setting in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing landscapes or conveying a specific mood, as it adds a layer of visual detail to the scene.

Common error

Avoid repeating "clouds hovering above" too frequently in a small section of writing. Vary your descriptions of the sky and clouds to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds hovering above" primarily functions as a descriptive element, adding detail to a scene or setting. It often modifies a noun, providing information about the position and appearance of clouds. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clouds hovering above" is a grammatically sound and descriptively evocative phrase, primarily used to set scenes and create atmosphere in writing. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it is considered uncommon in overall frequency. Its usage is most prominent in news media and scientific contexts. For similar expressions, consider "clouds suspended overhead" or "clouds floating overhead" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase within a short passage to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clouds suspended overhead

Focuses on the state of being suspended rather than the action of hovering.

clouds floating overhead

Emphasizes the lightness and gentle movement of the clouds.

clouds hanging in the sky

Highlights the visual appearance of clouds in the sky.

clouds looming overhead

Suggests a sense of foreboding or threat associated with the clouds.

clouds drifting aloft

Emphasizes the slow, directionless movement of the clouds.

clouds positioned high above

Emphasizes altitude.

skyline dominated by clouds

Shifts the focus to the skyline.

overcast sky

Focuses on the general condition of the sky being covered by clouds.

cloudy sky above

Reverses the phrase structure.

clouds resting above

Uses a more gentle verb to describe the position of the clouds.

FAQs

How can I use "clouds hovering above" in a sentence?

You can use "clouds hovering above" to describe a scene, for example: "The sun peeked through the clouds hovering above, casting a golden glow on the fields."

What are some alternatives to "clouds hovering above"?

Consider alternatives like "clouds suspended overhead", "clouds floating overhead", or "clouds hanging in the sky" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "clouds hovering over" instead of "clouds hovering above"?

While both prepositions are sometimes used, "above" is generally preferred when referring to a higher spatial position. "Over" can imply a more direct covering or influence.

What is the difference between "clouds hovering above" and "clouds looming overhead"?

"Clouds hovering above" is a neutral description of clouds in the sky. "Clouds looming overhead" suggests a threatening or ominous presence, implying that the clouds are large, dark, and possibly indicative of bad weather.