clouds of gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of sadness or despair, often in a metaphorical sense, to convey a sense of foreboding or negativity. Example: "As the news of the layoffs spread, a sense of clouds of gloom settled over the office, leaving everyone feeling anxious and uncertain about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Personal Experience

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Ignore those storm clouds of gloom that are gathering in the horizon of your mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While analysts said today's measures should help, the clouds of gloom over its chosen industry remain thick.

The New York Times

At work I could be loud and bumptious (and productive), but then acquire clouds of gloom and anxiety.

The Guardian - Money

For this, Mrs Kavakci was stripped both of her seat and of her Turkish citizenship, and now lives in exile in the United States.In this section The clouds of gloom are gathering Tickets, please Glut, fraud and eco-damage Giulio Tremonti Hope and fear Is it wise to abolish Virtue?

The Economist

Two weeks after Mr Berlusconi's election victory in Italy in May, Mr Tremonti says that Oxford offered him a fellowship by e-mail, which he proudly shows off; he says he intends to take that job too.In this section The clouds of gloom are gathering Tickets, please Glut, fraud and eco-damage Giulio Tremonti Hope and fear Is it wise to abolish Virtue?

The Economist

Perhaps, muse the suspicious, the money came from illegal kickbacks during Mr Chirac's tenure as mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.In this section The clouds of gloom are gathering Tickets, please Glut, fraud and eco-damage Giulio Tremonti Hope and fear Is it wise to abolish Virtue?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We came out of August under a cloud of gloom," he said.

The New York Times

Each new DC movie, by contrast, feels like a suffocating cloud of gloom.

The Guardian - Film

The release date for "Valkyrie" has been delayed twice, contributing to a cloud of gloom hanging over the project.

The New York Times

The investment by Google and other large corporations in Melbourne Apartments and similar projects is one reason a cloud of gloom has lifted for developers of income-restricted housing.

The New York Times

Notice the black cloud of gloom and denial stretching across the continent, with an epicenter around Greece, but expanding rapidly across the Mediterranean and up into Germany and France.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of gloom" to evoke a sense of impending negativity or emotional distress. This phrase is particularly effective in setting a somber tone in descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of gloom" in a literal context where actual clouds are meant, unless metaphorically extending the literal meaning. It's primarily used to describe a feeling or atmosphere, not meteorological phenomena.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of gloom" functions primarily as a metaphorical noun phrase. It is used to describe a pervasive feeling of sadness or despair, evoking a sense of heaviness and foreboding. Ludwig AI suggests its usage to describe intangible feelings rather than literal weather.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Huffington Post

14%

The Guardian

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

1%

Science

1e-7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of gloom" is a metaphorical expression used to describe a pervasive feeling of sadness or despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most effectively employed to evoke a somber tone in descriptive writing, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "veil of sadness" or "shadow of despair" exist, "clouds of gloom" provides a distinctive image of impending negativity. It's important to avoid literal interpretations, focusing instead on its power to convey emotional distress. Although less frequent than other expressions, "clouds of gloom" remains a potent tool for writers seeking to paint vivid pictures of somber atmospheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pall of despondency

Uses "pall", referring to something that covers or obscures, implying a heavy atmosphere of dejection.

shadow of despair

Replaces "clouds" with "shadow", focusing on the darkness and hopelessness.

atmosphere of despair

Emphasizes the surrounding environment as being filled with hopelessness.

veil of sadness

Changes the image from clouds to a veil, implying a covering of sadness.

fog of pessimism

Presents "pessimism" as a "fog", suggesting uncertainty and a negative outlook.

blanket of sorrow

Employs "blanket" to indicate a pervasive and encompassing sense of grief.

air of melancholy

Shifts from a visual image to an atmospheric feeling of sadness.

mood of desolation

Focuses on the emotional state of being deserted or forlorn.

wave of depression

Uses "wave" to suggest a sudden and overwhelming feeling of sadness.

sense of foreboding

Highlights an anticipation of future misfortune or bad events.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of gloom" to describe a situation or feeling of sadness or foreboding. For example: "After the announcement, "clouds of gloom" settled over the office."

What are some alternatives to "clouds of gloom"?

Alternatives include "veil of sadness", "shadow of despair", or "air of melancholy", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "clouds of gloom" formal or informal?

The phrase "clouds of gloom" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is most commonly found in literary or descriptive writing where evocative language is valued.

What feeling does "clouds of gloom" typically convey?

The phrase "clouds of gloom" typically conveys a feeling of sadness, depression, or impending doom. It suggests a heavy and oppressive atmosphere.