clouds of vapour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of vapour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun set, the sky was filled with clouds of vapour, creating a stunning display of colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The dense clouds of vapour that emerge from the orifices of users is a kind of peacocking.

Vice

It was an impressive sight, I suppose, if you enjoy seeing large clouds of vapour, but it did get me thinking about how safe this stuff is.

Vice

As a smoke machine produces small clouds of vapour, six girls in black knickers and crop tops paraded around, with one teetering down the runway in a huge pair of stilts.

Vice

In winter the geothermal areas look all the more impressive, when their hot water produces clouds of vapour.

The Guardian - Travel

The Vype ad features two urbanites sprinting through city streets before being propelled into the air through large clouds of vapour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither may the obscuring patches be clouds of vapour.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

By measuring the comparative strengths of these reflections, the composition of a cloud of vapour can be worked out.

The Economist

"E-cigarettes are being marketed just like cigarettes were in the past," says Gilmore, pointing to a TV advertisement for Vype, the e-cigarette brand owned by BAT, which featured an attractive young couple running through a cityscape before leaping into a cloud of vapour promising of "pure satisfaction for smokers".

The Guardian

The gestures are spare and impactful: a sudden rush of feet, an ecstatic spiral of gold glitter in the air, lengths of wet foliage birthed from the sleeves of Bluebeard's suit by his greedy, impulsive wife, a steady trickle of tears, a volcanic cloud of vapour, a bright flower of blood on a white shirt, a slow dance of body doubles, man and wife.

Independent

Every breath produced a cloud of vapour and the sense of entering an icy realm was overwhelming.

BBC

"Salam Aleykum," he said, his breath a cloud of vapour in the cold winter air.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of vapour" to evoke a visual image of something ethereal and transient, such as the steam rising from a hot spring or the exhalation of breath on a cold day.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of vapour" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terminology regarding the specific composition and behavior of the vapor is required. Instead, opt for terms like "vapor concentration" or "emission plumes" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of vapour" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English. Examples showcase its role in describing visual phenomena, like vapor from geysers or e-cigarettes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clouds of vapour" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe visible masses of condensed water or other substances. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a neutral register. Alternatives like "masses of steam" or "puffs of mist" can be used depending on the specific context and desired imagery. Use "clouds of vapour" to enrich descriptive writing and create a vivid sensory experience for your readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

masses of steam

This alternative replaces "vapour" with "steam", implying a higher temperature or more forceful emission.

billows of steam

This alternative uses "billows" which implies larger, more turbulent clouds.

puffs of mist

This alternative uses "mist" which is a lighter and less dense form of vapour. It also replaces 'clouds' with 'puffs', indicating smaller quantities.

plumes of smoke

This option uses "plumes" to refer to vapour emitted in a rising column.

wisps of smoke

This alternative substitutes "vapour" with "smoke", suggesting combustion or burning.

drifts of fog

This alternative replaces "vapour" with "fog", indicating a low-lying cloud near the ground.

banks of mist

Here, "banks" are used to indicate a large accumulation or layering of mist.

sheets of fog

This alternative uses "sheets" to evoke the sense of fog covering a broad area.

shrouds of haze

This option introduces "haze", implying a blurring or obscuring effect.

streams of mist

This substitution indicates that vapour is emitted in a continuous flow.

FAQs

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

You can use "clouds of vapour" to describe visible masses of condensed water, especially in descriptive or poetic contexts. For instance, "The geysers released "clouds of vapour" into the crisp morning air".

What's a more scientific alternative to "clouds of vapour"?

In scientific contexts, it's better to use terms like "vapor concentration" or "emission plumes" to accurately describe the phenomenon instead of the more descriptive ""clouds of vapour"".

When is it appropriate to use "clouds of steam" instead of "clouds of vapour"?

"Clouds of steam" is more fitting when the vapour is specifically from boiling water, emphasizing the heat and energy involved. "Clouds of vapour" is a broader term that can apply to any visible vaporous mass.

What imagery does "clouds of vapour" typically evoke?

"Clouds of vapour" often evoke images of something light, ephemeral, and potentially mysterious, suitable for descriptive writing where you want to create a specific atmosphere or mood.