clouds of anxiety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of anxiety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of overwhelming worry or stress that looms over someone, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As she prepared for the presentation, she felt the clouds of anxiety gathering, making it hard to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The clouds of anxiety began to lift.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the astonishing, far-reaching changes that Turkey has undergone in recent years, clouds of anxiety are gathering over the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

That hundreds of thousands of women around the world will spend this holiday season under dark clouds of anxiety about their health would be bad enough if they had been driven to that predicament by true need.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Monday passed in the apartment on 18th Avenue, as in the rest of the city, in a cloud of anxiety.

The New York Times

The flurry of activity cast a cloud of anxiety over the holiday season, just as travel was expected to approach pre-Sept.

The New York Times

There is a great cloud of anxiety that has welled up in our lives: anxiety of our own making and of the making of others, for two hands are often required to stir that brew.

The New York Times

In Sittwe's Aung Mingalar quarter, Aye Maung, an English teacher, explained how the 7,000 residents were unable to leave and had lived under a cloud of anxiety since the summer.

Independent

A cloud of anxiety has engulfed the Somali-dominated Eastleigh suburb of Nairobi as the residents await the outcome of the standoff at the Westgate shopping mall.

BBC

Europe's high-stakes LARPING season kicked off this week under a cloud of anxiety, as Russia and Sweden launched their largest military drills in years, featuring more than 33,000 troops.

Vice

Sometimes I can almost see a grey cloud of financial anxiety hovering over hospital staff, who struggle to meet the rising costs of living with wages that have declined in value by 10%-14% since 2010.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whitelaw divided her time between a flat in Hampstead and a cottage in Suffolk, and never quite believed her luck: "When I wake up at dawn, and that grey cloud of work anxiety is there, I only have to get up and open the window to feel so free and happy that I think I'm going to go off pop".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "clouds of anxiety" to create a vivid image of overwhelming worry, particularly when describing situations with an uncertain or threatening atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of anxiety" in casual or informal writing. The phrase's metaphorical nature is better suited for formal or descriptive contexts where a more impactful image is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of anxiety" primarily functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It paints a vivid image of overwhelming worry or stress. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound and understandable, though not exceedingly common. The examples provided illustrate its use in describing general apprehension.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of anxiety" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a feeling of overwhelming worry or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it is not a particularly common expression. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase functions as a metaphorical noun phrase, evoking a strong emotional response. While its imagery is effective, writers should consider alternatives like "waves of anxiety" or "sense of unease" depending on the specific context. To maximize impact, use the phrase in formal or descriptive writing to paint a vivid picture of an unsettling situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waves of anxiety

Emphasizes the fluctuating and overwhelming nature of anxiety.

sense of unease

A more general and less intense feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

feeling of apprehension

Focuses on the anticipation of future problems or negative events.

shadow of worry

Highlights how worry darkens and influences one's thoughts and mood.

air of trepidation

Suggests a widespread feeling of fear or hesitation.

palpable tension

Focuses on the noticeable and intense stress in a situation.

undercurrent of fear

Implies a subtle but persistent feeling of fear beneath the surface.

gathering storm of worry

Conveys a sense of impending and escalating worry.

oppressive atmosphere

Highlights the heavy and burdensome feeling caused by anxiety.

climate of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of clarity and predictability contributing to anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "clouds of anxiety" in a sentence?

You can use "clouds of anxiety" to describe a situation where worry or stress is pervasive and overwhelming. For example, "Clouds of anxiety gathered before the crucial presentation".

What's a good alternative to "clouds of anxiety"?

Alternatives include phrases like "waves of anxiety", "sense of unease", or "feeling of apprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clouds of anxiety" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "clouds of anxiety" is not a highly frequent expression. Other similar phrases might be more commonly used, such as "waves of anxiety".

What feeling does "clouds of anxiety" convey?

The phrase conveys a feeling of heavy, looming, and pervasive worry or stress, like a dark cloud that obscures clarity and peace of mind. It suggests that anxiety is not just a fleeting emotion, but a constant, oppressive presence.