clouds of dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of dust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity of dust that is suspended in the air, often as a result of movement or disturbance in a dusty environment. Example: "As the truck drove down the unpaved road, it kicked up clouds of dust that obscured the view behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And the clouds of dust engulfed us".

The New York Times

Clouds of dust filled their lungs.

The New York Times

"There were clouds of dust and smog.

The Guardian

Or disappear under clouds of dust".

The Guardian - Books

He watched those towers transformed into calamitous clouds of dust.

The New York Times

Fine clouds of dust entered through the open windows.

The New York Times

What are we waiting for, in clouds of dust?

The New Yorker

He lurched to a stop, sending up clouds of dust.

The New Yorker

When the clouds of dust settled, 34 men lay dead.

The Guardian

Stars form from huge clouds of dust and gas.

The New York Times - Science

Clouds of dust still blew from a smouldering downtown.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene with "clouds of dust", consider specifying the source of the dust to provide a more vivid and informative image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of dust" excessively in metaphorical contexts where it might sound cliché or forced. Instead, opt for more original and contextually appropriate imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of dust" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing a visible phenomenon involving airborne particles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of dust" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict environments filled with airborne particles. According to Ludwig AI, it's deemed accurate and usable. Appearing most frequently in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to vividly describe physical settings or events, sometimes metaphorically extending to notions of obscurity or chaos. While generally neutral, formality can shift depending on the source. When using "clouds of dust", consider specifying the dust source for enhanced clarity and steer clear of cliché metaphorical applications. Alternatives like "dust clouds" or "dust storms" may offer nuanced descriptive options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dust clouds

A simple reversal of words with an equivalent semantic load.

dust storms

Emphasizes the intensity and scope of the dust event.

sheets of dust

Focuses on the expansive and continuous nature of the dust.

veils of dust

Highlights the obscuring effect of the dust.

palls of dust

Implies a heavy, oppressive atmosphere caused by the dust.

dust plumes

Describes the shape and movement of the dust formations.

airborne particles

A scientific term for dust suspended in the air.

particulate matter

A more technical term for pollution, can be used in relation to dust.

dust haze

Describes a thin layer of dust that reduces visibility.

fine particles in the air

Focuses on the size and location of dust.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of dust" to describe a situation where a lot of dust particles are suspended in the air. For example: "The car sped down the dirt road, kicking up "clouds of dust"".

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

You can use alternatives like "dust clouds", "dust storms", or "sheets of dust" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cloud of dust" instead of "clouds of dust"?

While "cloud of dust" is grammatically correct, "clouds of dust" is generally used when describing a large or dispersed quantity of dust. "Cloud of dust" implies a more singular, concentrated mass.

What kind of imagery does "clouds of dust" evoke?

The phrase "clouds of dust" typically evokes imagery of movement, disruption, and sometimes, destruction or decay, depending on the surrounding context. It suggests a lack of clarity or visibility.