dust cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

"dust cloud" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a visible mass of dust suspended in the atmosphere above a planet, typically caused by a large disturbance of its surface. For example: "The spacecraft was engulfed by a giant dust cloud as it approached the planet's surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dust cloud dissipated quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Sixsmith comes trailing his own dust cloud.

The Guardian - Film

"It creates this dust cloud of nonsense".

The New Yorker

"Usually, there's a big dust cloud around lunchtime.

The New York Times

For her, the dust cloud of denial never really clears.

The Guardian - Film

The dust cloud beat him to the door.

The New York Times

Then, this dust cloud starts mushrooming up Broadway.

The New York Times

They will be perhaps looking in my dust cloud".

The New York Times - Sports

It originally described the dust cloud as a "blowdown".

The Guardian

A car drove by, kicking up a dust cloud.

The New York Times

Dust cloud ignition is carried out using pyrotechnical igniters.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events causing a "dust cloud", specify the source and composition if known (e.g., "a concrete dust cloud from the demolition" or "a volcanic dust cloud").

Common error

Avoid using "dust cloud" metaphorically without ensuring the context aligns. Overusing it in abstract senses can weaken its impact. Prefer more precise figurative language when describing abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dust cloud" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific phenomenon: a visible accumulation of dust particles suspended in the air. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both natural events and man-made incidents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dust cloud" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a mass of dust particles suspended in the air. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news reports, scientific studies, and general descriptions. While alternatives like "cloud of dust" and "dust plume" exist, "dust cloud" provides a direct and widely understood description. When using this phrase, ensure context is clear and specify the source or composition of the cloud if possible. Avoiding overuse as a metaphor and focusing on its literal descriptive power will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloud of dust

Reverses the word order while maintaining the same core meaning.

dust plume

Replaces "cloud" with "plume", suggesting a more elongated or directional shape.

airborne dust

Focuses on the dust being suspended in the air.

dust storm

Describes a larger-scale event where dust is the primary element.

haze of dust

Replaces "cloud" with "haze", indicating a less dense and more diffused suspension of dust.

pulverized debris

Focuses on the composition of the cloud being made of fine particles.

particulate matter

Emphasizes the scientific aspect of airborne particles.

fine particle cloud

Highlights the small size of the dust particles.

smog

Implies a mixture of dust and other pollutants.

billowing dust

Describes the action of dust rising and moving in a cloud-like form.

FAQs

How can I use "dust cloud" in a sentence?

You can use "dust cloud" to describe a visible mass of dust particles suspended in the air, as in "The explosion created a massive "dust cloud" that obscured the sky."

What's the difference between a "dust cloud" and a "dust storm"?

A "dust cloud" is a general term for a mass of dust in the air, while a "dust storm" refers to a large-scale weather event characterized by strong winds lifting vast amounts of dust into the atmosphere. A "dust storm" is larger in scale and intensity than a typical "dust cloud".

What are some other terms for "dust cloud"?

Alternatives include "cloud of dust", "dust plume", or "airborne dust" depending on the specific context and characteristics of the dust mass.

Is it correct to say "dust cloud" or should it be "cloud of dust"?

Both "dust cloud" and "cloud of dust" are correct and commonly used. "Dust cloud" functions as a compound noun, while "cloud of dust" is a prepositional phrase. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or sentence structure, but their meanings are nearly identical.