clouds of carbon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of carbon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the presence of carbon in the atmosphere, often in the context of pollution or climate change. Example: "The industrial revolution has led to an increase in clouds of carbon, contributing to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is swaddled in dense clouds of carbon dioxide.

The New York Times - Science

Snowdon shot Clapton alone with his guitar at the Lyceum ballroom in the Strand, looking like something from Wagner's ring cycle amid swirling, icy clouds of carbon dioxide.

The Guardian

They've studied the spectra produced by clouds of carbon monosulphide, a relatively common component of our galaxy, rather than ionised hydrogen.

MIT Technology Review

Mercury is too hot to retain an atmosphere, but Venus's brilliant white appearance is the result of its being completely enveloped in thick clouds of carbon dioxide, impenetrable at visible wavelengths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rationale goes as follows: Clouds of carbon dioxide originally enveloped both planets, but methanogens developed on earth and digested much of the cloud and in turn produced the hydrocarbons that developed into higher forms of life.

The New York Times

That galloping momentum of warming (building on itself, as white ice gives way to blue ocean and as fires in drought-stricken forests send clouds of carbon aloft) scares me.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In 2006, researchers using Europe's Mars Express space probe reported clouds of carbon-dioxide crystals above the planet's surface.

Independent

All around the capital, twelve thousand peat bogs are slowly simmering, sending toxic clouds of carbon-rich smoke into the city.

The New Yorker

On the evening of Aug. 21 , 1986 a cloud of carbon dioxide erupted from Lake Nyos in the mountainous region of northwestern Cameroon.

The New York Times - Science

One is to bathe the models in a charged oxygen gas that would react with the organic dirt, creating a harmless cloud of carbon dioxide and steam.

The New York Times - Arts

He returns in a cloud of carbon emissions, never mind the signature global warming legislation he enacted when he was California's governor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact, use "clouds of carbon" to vividly depict the physical presence and scale of carbon emissions. This helps to convey the urgency and magnitude of the problem to a broader audience.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of carbon" to describe isolated instances of pollution. The phrase implies a sustained and widespread presence of carbon in the atmosphere, not just a one-time event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of carbon" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes the presence of carbon, often in the context of pollution or climate change, and is used to create a vivid image of carbon in the atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of carbon" is a noun phrase effectively used to depict the visual presence of carbon emissions, often within discussions of pollution and climate change. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it's a descriptive term primarily found in news, media and scientific contexts and should not be confused with scientifically precise terminologies. Alternatives such as "carbon emissions" or "greenhouse gas emissions" may be more appropriate in formal or scientific settings. Understanding the connotations and contexts in which "clouds of carbon" is deployed helps writers use it effectively to convey environmental concerns and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carbon emissions plumes

Focuses on the visual aspect of carbon emissions, specifically plumes.

carbon dioxide concentrations

Refers to the amount of carbon dioxide present, emphasizing the concentration.

atmospheric carbon loading

Highlights the amount of carbon present in the atmosphere, emphasizing the loading effect.

carbon-rich atmospheric layers

Emphasizes the layering and composition of the atmosphere with a focus on carbon.

carbonaceous aerosols

Specifies the type of particulate matter related to carbon in the atmosphere.

sources of carbon pollution

Focuses on the origin and polluting aspect of carbon.

carbon discharge

Emphasizes the act of releasing carbon into the environment.

anthropogenic carbon sources

Highlights the human-caused origins of carbon emissions.

fugitive carbon emissions

Describes carbon emissions that unintentionally leak or escape.

carbon sequestration potential

Addresses the possibility of capturing and storing carbon.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of carbon" to describe the presence of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, such as: "The industrial revolution led to increased "clouds of carbon", contributing to global warming."

What are some alternatives to using "clouds of carbon"?

Alternatives include "carbon emissions", "carbon footprint", or "greenhouse gas emissions", depending on the specific context.

Is "clouds of carbon" a scientifically accurate term?

While "clouds of carbon" is descriptive and easily understood, scientists typically use more precise terms like "carbon dioxide concentration" or "greenhouse gas emissions" in scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "clouds of carbon" and "carbon dioxide"?

"Clouds of carbon" is a general term describing the presence of carbon emissions, while "carbon dioxide" is a specific chemical compound (CO2) that is a major component of those emissions. "Clouds of carbon" can refer to various carbon-based pollutants.