clouds of vapor

USAGE SUMMARY

'clouds of vapor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scene, such as, "The sun shone through the clouds of vapor rising from the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He lay in bed with only his face outside the covers, making clouds of vapor.

The New Yorker

Ominous clouds of vapor have erased the lime and jamun trees in the park across the way.

The New Yorker

American innocence shall rise in mighty clouds of vapor to the scent of heaven and confound the nations!

The Guardian - Books

The white spray rose in the light, high and straight, then came down in clouds of vapor that slid through the wind.

The New Yorker

Though the Met says otherwise, they say the clouds of vapor, noise and traffic jams will get worse, not better, as the museum grows, and they want it to expand by adding a satellite location.

The New York Times

Instead, frozen desserts are made to order at the display counter, where employees pour icy pitchers of liquid nitrogen, shrouded in clouds of vapor, into cream-filled stainless steel mixers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The liquid that becomes vaporized in e-cigs, which you inhale and exhale in a cloud of vapor, contains not only nicotine but an array of other substances, such as propylene glycol, glycerine, flavorings and sometimes components like diacetyl, acetyl propionyl, benzaldehyde and the less-threatening sounding vanillin.

Huffington Post

Power mowers have been fitted with devices for the dissemination of pesticides — attachments that will dispense a cloud of vapor as the homeowner mows his lawn.

The New Yorker

He hadn't closed the balcony door overnight, and when he breathed out a small cloud of vapor rose from his mouth.

The New Yorker

He hadn't closed the balcony door overnight, and when he breathed out a small cloud of vapor rose from… He waited for her for three months.

The New Yorker

"Power mowers also have been fitted with devices for the dissemination of pesticides, attachments that will dispense a cloud of vapor as the homeowner goes about the task of mowing".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing atmospheric phenomena or industrial processes, use "clouds of vapor" to create vivid imagery of rising or dispersing substances.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of vapor" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts. This phrase is best suited for physical descriptions of vaporous substances, not for describing intangible things like "clouds of doubt" or "clouds of confusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of vapor" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visible collection of vapor particles, as seen in Ludwig examples like "making clouds of vapor" or "sent clouds of vapor 0.5 km into the sky".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clouds of vapor" is a grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used to vividly describe physical phenomena involving visible vapor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, including news outlets and scientific journals. The phrase serves a descriptive purpose, fitting comfortably within a neutral register. While less common than some other descriptive phrases, "clouds of vapor" effectively communicates images of atmospheric or industrial emissions. Alternative phrases such as "masses of vapor" or "wisps of vapor" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, emphasizing quantity or form. When writing, it's best used in concrete descriptions rather than abstract metaphors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

masses of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "masses", emphasizing the quantity of vapor.

puffs of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "puffs", suggesting smaller, more distinct emissions.

wisps of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "wisps", indicating thin, faint formations.

billows of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "billows", implying large, rolling formations.

sheaths of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "sheaths", suggesting a covering or enveloping layer of vapor.

drifts of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "drifts", emphasizing movement and dispersion of vapor.

banks of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "banks", suggesting dense, accumulated formations.

sheets of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "sheets", implying widespread, flat layers of vapor.

films of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "films", referring to thin, almost transparent layers.

streams of vapor

Replaces "clouds" with "streams", highlighting the linear flow of vapor.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of vapor" to describe visible emissions, such as, "ominous clouds of vapor have erased the trees in the park" or "the volcano sent "clouds of vapor" into the sky".

What's a good alternative to "clouds of vapor"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "masses of vapor", "puffs of vapor", or "wisps of vapor" to describe the appearance of the vapor.

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

Yes, "cloud of vapor" is also correct, particularly when referring to a single, distinct cloud. "Clouds of vapor" implies multiple or a continuous emission.

In what contexts is "clouds of vapor" most commonly used?

"Clouds of vapor" is frequently used in descriptions related to atmospheric conditions, industrial processes, and volcanic activity. It evokes a visual image of rising or dispersing vaporous substances.