clouds of smog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of smog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thick, polluted atmosphere often found in urban areas or during environmental crises. Example: "The city was shrouded in clouds of smog, making it difficult to see the skyline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Dense clouds of smog drift over the arid landscape, the exhaust of coking plants.

The New York Times

While London has come far since the days of its infamous pea-soupers — toxic clouds of smog that killed thousands — its air still endangers many.

The New York Times

Other air pollutants -- like soot, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides -- leave discernible fingerprints: grimy windows, sterilized mountain lakes downwind from power plants or eye-burning clouds of smog.

The New York Times

Toxic clouds of smog are regular features of China's major cities, with some studies showing pollution has caused about 1 million premature deaths a year.

The Guardian

While rising car ownership fit nicely into the government's narrative of life as ever-improving after the 1979 Islamic revolution, clouds of smog from increased traffic congestion did not.

The New York Times

Athletes donning face masks, running though clouds of smog became the latest image of China's air pollution crisis as thousands took part in the Beijing marathon amid "hazardous" levels of smog.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Dubbed the 'airpocalypse', Beijing was shrouded in a thick cloud of smog.

The Guardian

"That it was so perhaps illuminates one small corner of the cloud of smog that envelops the Middle East".

Independent

The slow moving cloud of smog is being fed by a sluggish southerly weather system, which is also responsible for this week's warm spring weather.

The Guardian

Since 2011, when a particularly thick cloud of smog settled over northern China for days and triggered public outcry on the internet, air pollution awareness has swelled.

The Guardian

Hannah Hunt doubles as a kind of love letter to the US landscape, even as the album's cover image hymns a New York rising out of a cloud of smog.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing severe air pollution, use "clouds of smog" to vividly convey the density and extent of the pollution.

Common error

While "clouds of smog" is descriptive, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "haze of pollution" or "smoggy atmosphere" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of smog" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object to describe a visible manifestation of air pollution. Ludwig's examples show it describing both the visual appearance and the impact on landmarks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of smog" is a common and effective way to describe severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media to vividly depict the density and extent of smog. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "air pollution haze" or "smoggy atmosphere" to enrich your writing. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources highlights its relevance in discussions about environmental issues and public health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smoggy atmosphere

Focuses on the general atmospheric condition caused by smog.

air pollution haze

Emphasizes the hazy quality of polluted air.

toxic air pollution

Highlights the toxicity of air pollution.

polluted air mass

Describes the smog as a large body of polluted air.

smog-filled sky

Focuses on the sky being filled with smog.

dense smog cover

Emphasizes the density and coverage of the smog.

atmospheric pollution

A broader term referring to pollution in the atmosphere.

hazardous air quality

Focuses on the dangerous quality of the air.

toxic haze

Highlights the hazardous nature and appearance of the smog.

air quality crisis

Focuses on the crisis state of air quality due to smog.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of smog" to describe severe air pollution in cities, for example: "The city was covered in "clouds of smog", making it difficult to breathe."

What are some alternatives to "clouds of smog"?

You can use alternatives like "smoggy atmosphere", "air pollution haze", or "toxic air pollution" depending on the context.

What causes "clouds of smog"?

"Clouds of smog" are typically caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other pollutants that accumulate in the atmosphere, especially under certain weather conditions.

Is "clouds of smog" a formal or informal term?

"Clouds of smog" is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news reports and general descriptions of air pollution.