clouds of debris

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of debris" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large amount of scattered material, often in a context related to destruction or chaos, such as after an explosion or natural disaster. Example: "After the building collapsed, there were clouds of debris filling the air, making it difficult to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Passersby were engulfed by clouds of debris.

The New Yorker

He returned to the roof and began videotaping the clouds of debris at Ground Zero as night fell.

The New Yorker

For hours, they spilled their stories -- of watching bodies fall, of being chased by clouds of debris.

The New York Times

When the rig sank to the ocean floor, it created clouds of debris, making it difficult to tell how much oil was being released.

The New Yorker

Mesmerised office workers peered from skyscraper windows as the funnel zig-zagged across several blocks, churning up clouds of debris and leaves.

The Economist

A shaken police officer, speaking to me by phone on Tuesday afternoon, said, "I saw bodies flying out of windows in clouds of debris.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Both cars splintered apart, bounding off the track in a gigantic cloud of debris and dust.

The New York Times - Sports

The spacecraft rose through a cloud of debris and returned to a safe distance.

The New York Times - Science

There is only a sudden flash of light when the bomb hits, followed by a towering cloud of debris.

The New York Times

Analysis of the resulting cloud of debris will provide information about conditions in the primordial solar system.

The Economist

You can see it spinning through a cloud of debris before the screen floods with yellow flames.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene of destruction or aftermath, use "clouds of debris" to vividly convey the scale and chaotic nature of the event. The phrase evokes a sense of volume and dispersion, making the imagery more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of debris" in overly technical or scientific contexts where more precise terminology would be appropriate. For example, in a scientific paper about space debris, it's better to refer to specific types and sizes of particles rather than a generic "cloud".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of debris" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in describing aftermath scenarios. It vividly portrays a large volume of scattered material resulting from destruction or violent events, as exemplified in the provided snippets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of debris" effectively conveys the chaotic aftermath of a destructive event, painting a vivid picture of scattered remnants. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and readily understood in a variety of contexts. Though not exceedingly common, its usage in news, science, and encyclopedia articles establishes its neutrality. Consider alternatives like "scattered wreckage" or "swirling dust clouds" for nuanced descriptions, and remember to avoid overuse in highly technical settings. By employing "clouds of debris" judiciously, writers can powerfully depict scenes of destruction while maintaining clarity and precision. Top sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Economist, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragmented remains

Draws attention to the broken state and residual nature of the materials.

scattered wreckage

Focuses on the dispersed remains of something destroyed, implying a scene of destruction.

disseminated fragments

Implies a wide scattering of pieces, often from an explosion or forceful impact.

floating detritus

Emphasizes the light, drifting nature of the debris, often in a liquid or gaseous medium.

swirling dust clouds

Highlights the movement and fine particulate nature of the debris.

airborne particles

Highlights the suspension of tiny debris in the air, often with implications for air quality.

piles of rubble

Suggests a static accumulation of broken fragments, lacking the dynamic sense of dispersion.

billowing dust

Focuses on the fine particles suspended in the air, often obscuring vision.

residual matter

Emphasizes the leftover and often insignificant nature of the debris.

drifting sediment

Suggests the gradual settling and accumulation of fine particles, often in water.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of debris" to describe the aftermath of an explosion, collapse, or other destructive event. For example, "After the earthquake, "clouds of debris" filled the air, making rescue efforts difficult."

What are some synonyms for "clouds of debris"?

Alternatives include "scattered wreckage", "floating detritus", or "swirling dust "clouds"", depending on the specific context and type of debris.

Is it appropriate to use "clouds of debris" in formal writing?

Yes, "clouds of debris" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing impactful or destructive events. However, ensure that the level of detail and tone is appropriate for the specific audience and purpose.

What is the difference between "clouds of debris" and "piles of rubble"?

"Clouds of debris" suggests a dispersed, often airborne, collection of fragments, while "piles of rubble" implies a static accumulation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the scattering or the mass of the remnants.