clouds of steam

USAGE SUMMARY

"clouds of steam" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a scene or atmosphere - for example: "The hot kitchen was filled with clouds of steam as the waiter hurried to serve the hungry customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Swirling clouds of steam.

Independent

Mr. Huang's face was obscured by thick clouds of steam, but his voice could be heard.

The New York Times

Offshore, two historic sailing vessels emerged from clouds of steam and coloured smoke in the dusk, surrounded by bursts of light from flares, exactly like something by Turner.

Independent

Then: heat from the interior, metamorphic rock, clouds of steam hiding the sun; clouds, torrential rains, ocean basins filling, rivers, mountains, streams, sand, gravel, clay, sedimentary rock.

The New Yorker

Like vast clouds of steam from thermal springs in winter the years of things unsaid and now unsayable — admissions, declarations, shames, guilts, fears — rose around them.

The New Yorker

For her "the flickering orange glow of flames, billowing white clouds of steam, and black clouds of smoke" actually seem nicely rustic and après-ski.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It's your loss," I called, and a great cloud of steam issued from my mouth.

The New Yorker

Holohan, who grew up on East Seventy-ninth Street, sees all of New York City through a cloud of steam.

The New Yorker

Those are just details," Kitaru's voice said calmly from a cloud of steam.

The New Yorker

A cloud of steam, smelling vaguely of salad sprouts, escaped the malt vessel.

The New York Times - Food

This evocative series ploughs on through the schedules in a cloud of steam.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of steam" to vividly describe industrial scenes, natural geothermal activity, or even domestic settings like a steamy kitchen. The phrase evokes a strong visual image.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of steam" when you actually mean smoke. Steam is water vapor, while smoke is the product of combustion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of steam" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a descriptive element within a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase commonly depicts a visual scene or environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

10%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clouds of steam" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used for descriptive purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively creates a vivid image of steam formations in various contexts. Its neutral register and frequent use in news and media make it a versatile choice for writers. Related phrases like "billowing steam" or "rising vapor" can offer subtle variations in meaning, enhancing descriptive precision. The phrase is versatile and can be seen in a variety of contexts from hot springs, cooking, or the output of industrial processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

billowing steam

Focuses on the movement and volume of the steam.

rising vapor

Highlights the upward movement and gaseous nature.

steam plumes

Emphasizes the shape and upward trajectory of the steam.

vaporous clouds

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the cloud-like quality of the vapor.

mists of steam

Suggests a lighter, less dense formation of steam.

columns of steam

Highlights the vertical shape and structure of the steam.

exhalations of steam

Focuses on the act of releasing steam, often from a source.

thermal exhalations

Highlights thermal nature and source of the steam.

geothermal vents

Specifically refers to steam from geothermal sources.

condensation veils

Describes the phenomenon of condensation forming a veil-like appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of steam" to describe various scenarios, such as "Clouds of steam rose from the geyser" or "The factory released clouds of steam".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "clouds of steam"?

Consider using alternatives like "billowing steam", "rising vapor", or "steam plumes" depending on the context.

Is "clouds of steam" a formal or informal expression?

"Clouds of steam" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as evidenced by its use in news articles and descriptive writing.

Can "clouds of steam" be used metaphorically?

While primarily a literal descriptor, "clouds of steam" can be used metaphorically to describe something that obscures or envelops, similar to how steam obscures vision.