cloudy sky

USAGE SUMMARY

"cloudy sky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the weather conditions outside. For example, "We took a walk outside, but it was a cloudy sky so we had to come back in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cloudy sky (cloudiness) tended to increase the probability of observing horses outside shelters, although not statistically significant (P = 0.058).

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Under the weather conditions of sunny with clear sky, sunny with partly cloudy sky, and cloudy sky, ice-making phenomenon were observed.

Applied Energy

Overhead, helicopters swung across the cloudy sky.

The New York Times

The sun had clawed its way through a cloudy sky.

The New York Times - Sports

And on Saturday morning here, underneath a cloudy sky, it did.

The New York Times - Sports

The picnic tables and sandy beach lay empty under a cloudy sky.

The New York Times

Equally obviously, the existence of a cloudy sky is not original, and Mannion therefore may not prevent others from using a cloudy sky as a backdrop.

Harvard University

OCEANSAT-1 Ocean Color Monitor (OCM) PAR was estimated using two different methods under both clear and cloudy sky conditions.

Advances in Space Research

The lighting is similar, and both use a cloudy sky as backdrop.

Harvard University

A beach and a cloudy sky are as literal and dramatic as a lusty woman's coquetries.

The New York Times

On the front cover was an outline of a dove in a dark, cloudy sky.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloudy sky" to set a specific mood in your writing. The phrase can evoke feelings of melancholy, peace, or anticipation depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "cloudy sky" when describing weather. Vary your descriptions with more specific terms like "overcast", "grey", or descriptions of the cloud formations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloudy sky" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element to specify the state of the sky. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly correct. Examples show it modifying nouns or acting as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloudy sky" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sky covered by clouds. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prominence in news, scientific, and academic writing. While "cloudy sky" is versatile, consider alternatives like "overcast sky" or "grey sky" to provide nuanced descriptions. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and explore specific cloud formations for more vivid imagery. Ultimately, "cloudy sky" is a reliable phrase for depicting a particular weather condition and evoking related moods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast sky

Focuses on the covering aspect of the clouds, implying a dense cloud cover.

cloud-covered sky

Emphasizes the presence of clouds blanketing the sky.

grey sky

Highlights the color associated with a cloudy sky.

turbid sky

Suggests a sky that is murky or disturbed, implying a heavy cloud cover.

murky sky

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or visibility in the sky due to cloudiness.

leaden sky

Evokes a heavy, dull sky, often associated with impending rain.

gloomy sky

Highlights the somber or melancholic atmosphere created by a cloudy sky.

threatening sky

Suggests that the clouds may bring a storm or other adverse weather.

brooding sky

Implies a dark and ominous sky, heavy with clouds.

sun-veiled sky

Focuses on how the sun is hidden behind the clouds

FAQs

How can I use "cloudy sky" in a sentence?

You can use "cloudy sky" to describe the weather, such as, "We decided to stay indoors because it was a "cloudy sky" outside".

What are some alternatives to saying "cloudy sky"?

Alternatives include "overcast sky", "grey sky", or "cloud-covered sky", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sky is cloudy" instead of "cloudy sky"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "cloudy sky" is a more concise and commonly used noun phrase. "The sky is cloudy" is a complete sentence, while "cloudy sky" functions as a descriptive element.

What kind of imagery does the phrase "cloudy sky" evoke?

A "cloudy sky" often evokes images of gloom, somberness, or a peaceful, muted atmosphere, depending on the context and the writer's intent.