clouds of dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scene or atmosphere that is ominous or foreboding, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "As the storm approached, the sky was filled with clouds of dark, casting a shadow over the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Clouds of dark smoke rolled across the desert.

The New York Times

The clouds of dark material making up the Great Rift are several thousand light-years from the Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others have used galaxies themselves as lenses to limn invisible clouds of dark matter that envelop the cosmos.

The New York Times - Science

Images quickly emerged on social media showing the site of the incident issuing thick clouds of dark smoke and lit up with flames.

The Guardian

Firefighters sped through icy streets to the six-story building, where the fire, contained by thick walls, was filling Apartment 6B with heavy clouds of dark smoke.

The New York Times

As the primordial clouds of dark matter grow and congeal, so this theory went, ordinary matter sinks to the center and lights up.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The British Firth has a cloud of dark hair, a strong voice, and a baleful stare.

The New Yorker

"I saw this big cloud of dark sea water coming up to me," he said.

The Guardian

The cloud of dark piss, the tide mark of salt that shows how the water has evaporated.

The New Yorker

A cloud of dark smoke was visible in the distance through the Stryker's night-vision system.

The New York Times

First came a cloud of dark, ratty tulle, just visible at a back corner in the dim light.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of dark" to evoke a sense of foreboding or mystery, especially when describing a natural scene or abstract concept. For impactful writing, make sure this phrase is aligned with the overall tone and thematic consistency of your prose. Consider a more common alternative if clarity is prioritized over atmospheric effect.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of dark" in situations that simply require a description of darkness. Its evocative nature is better suited for contexts needing a touch of drama or symbolism, such as in fiction or poetic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of dark" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It serves to describe a visual scene, setting a mood of foreboding or mystery. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is acceptable but somewhat rare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of dark" is a grammatically correct, albeit less common, noun phrase used to create a sense of foreboding or mystery. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It appears primarily in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, lending itself to a neutral to formal register. While "dark clouds" serves as a more frequent and direct alternative, "clouds of dark" is better suited for evocative writing that aims to convey a specific atmosphere. Avoid overuse in simple descriptions, and consider the overall tone of your writing when choosing between this phrase and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dark clouds

This is a more common and direct way to express the same concept.

shadows of darkness

Emphasizes the obscurity and concealment aspect of darkness.

veils of obscurity

Highlights the concealing nature, implying a lack of clarity.

darkening skies

Focuses on the sky and the impending darkness.

ominous clouds

Highlights the threatening or foreboding nature of the clouds.

gathering gloom

Emphasizes the increasing sense of darkness and negativity.

inky blackness

Focuses on the deep, intense color of the darkness.

gloomy atmosphere

Shifts the focus to the overall feeling or environment.

threatening shadows

Highlights the potential danger or menace associated with the darkness.

darkened expanse

Emphasizes the vastness and obscurity of the area.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of dark" to create a sense of foreboding or mystery, as in "As the storm approached, "clouds of dark" gathered on the horizon".

What can I say instead of "clouds of dark"?

Alternatives include the more common "dark clouds", or phrases such as "shadows of darkness" or "ominous clouds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clouds of dark" grammatically correct?

Yes, "clouds of dark" is grammatically correct, though it's less frequently used than the simpler "dark clouds".

When is it appropriate to use "clouds of dark" instead of "dark clouds"?

"Clouds of dark" is best used when aiming for a more evocative or literary tone, while "dark clouds" is suitable for more straightforward descriptive writing.