grey clouds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grey clouds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe overcast weather conditions or a gloomy atmosphere. Example: "As I looked out the window, I noticed the grey clouds gathering, signaling an impending storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grey clouds looming overhead.

The New York Times

Grey clouds bring the promise of rain.

The Guardian - Travel

Good things can come out of fucking grey clouds".

The Guardian - Music

Grey clouds are rolling over the horizon-wide wheat fields.

The Guardian - Travel

The events in Egypt hang over the conference like the threatening grey clouds.

The Economist

Too right, I think, splashing up Lady Booth Brook into heavy grey clouds.

The Guardian

Grey clouds loom, thunder growls, rain begins to spatter the kitchen window.

The Guardian - Travel

To the west, grey clouds thickened over Staffordshire, the sharp air promising snow.

The Guardian

The high grey clouds must have assisted England's bowlers in the morning at Lord's.

The Guardian - Sport

As it was, the grey clouds overhead failed to bring forth the threatened showers.

The Guardian - Sport

Thick grey clouds hovered over Colombo all day but there was no rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grey clouds" to create a specific atmospheric mood in your writing, conveying a sense of gloom, potential rain, or a somber setting.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "grey clouds" as a metaphor for sadness or negativity. Explore other imagery to add depth and originality to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grey clouds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing meteorological conditions or metaphorical states of gloom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grey clouds" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe overcast weather or a gloomy atmosphere. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "grey clouds" can effectively convey a sense of somberness or impending weather, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative imagery for richer descriptions. Related phrases like "overcast skies" or "dark clouds" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. As a final note, although both "gray" and "grey" are correct, "grey" is more common in British English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast skies

Focuses on the general condition of the sky being covered.

cloudy skies

A more general term for a sky filled with clouds.

dark clouds

Emphasizes the darkness and potential for rain.

leaden skies

Suggests a heavy, oppressive cloud cover.

threatening skies

Highlights the potential for impending bad weather.

gloomy skies

Focuses on the somber mood created by the clouds.

murky skies

Suggests a lack of clarity and visibility in the sky.

slate-colored clouds

Uses a specific color to describe the clouds.

stormy skies

Implies an active storm with dark clouds.

dismal skies

Conveys a sense of sadness and dreariness.

FAQs

How can I use "grey clouds" in a sentence?

"Grey clouds" can be used to describe weather conditions or a gloomy atmosphere. For example: "The "grey clouds" signaled an approaching storm" or "His future was overshadowed by "grey clouds" of uncertainty".

What are some synonyms for "grey clouds"?

Synonyms include "overcast skies", "cloudy skies", or "dark clouds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "gray clouds" instead of "grey clouds"?

"Gray" and "grey" are both correct spellings, with "gray" being more common in American English and "grey" more common in British English. The choice depends on your audience and writing style.

What is the metaphorical meaning of "grey clouds"?

"Grey clouds" often symbolize sadness, depression, or a general sense of unease. They can represent obstacles or difficult times in a person's life.