heavy clouds

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy clouds" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "heavy clouds" in writing to describe a weather condition where the sky is filled with dark, thick and possibly rain-filled clouds. It gives the reader a vivid image of the atmosphere and sets the scene. Example: "As they set off on their hike, they noticed heavy clouds looming in the sky, threatening to release a downpour at any moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We patrolled westward under heavy clouds.

The New Yorker

So would heavy clouds lift from my mental landscape?

Independent

He opened the door and saw heavy clouds of smoke.

The New York Times - Sports

HEAVY CLOUDS hung over Managua when I arrived.

The New York Times - Travel

Dark, heavy clouds hung about, threatening more snow or sleet.

The Times

The rain had stopped but heavy clouds moved with the bumping wind.

The New Yorker

Heavy clouds will gather throughout today, bringing spells of heavy rain and a dull, overcast day.

Independent

As totality approached, heavy clouds rolled in and we lost sight of the sun.

The New Yorker

The heavy clouds, gray and menacing, dull the most optimistic spirits even more than the horizon".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wheatfields and fences spooled past us, herds of friesians, rocketing turtledoves, vast, spooky flocks of lapwings uncoiling across snow-heavy clouds or packed tight on ploughed winter fields.

The Guardian - Books

The rain-heavy clouds swirling ominously around each celestial entity are separated by a gulf of calmness, intensifying the contrast and infusing the heavens with an unearthly glow.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy clouds" to create a sense of foreboding or to emphasize the dreariness of a scene. This vivid description adds depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy clouds" metaphorically when a more precise emotion or situation is applicable. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact; reserve it for scenarios where a sense of impending weight or gloom is genuinely intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy clouds" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a specific atmospheric condition. Examples from Ludwig show its use in setting the scene and conveying weather-related information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy clouds" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a specific atmospheric condition, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is descriptive, often setting the scene or foreshadowing potential weather changes. While found in diverse sources, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "overcast skies" and "threatening skies". Use "heavy clouds" to enhance descriptive writing, but avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts to retain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcast skies

Focuses on the general state of the sky being covered, differing from the weight implied by "heavy clouds".

dense cloud cover

Emphasizes the density of the clouds, slightly more technical than "heavy clouds".

threatening skies

Highlights the impending sense of danger or bad weather, unlike the neutral description of "heavy clouds".

darkening skies

Focuses on the visual aspect of the sky becoming darker, indicating the presence of clouds but less specific about their weight.

stormy weather

Indicates a broader weather condition including rain or wind, not just the presence of clouds.

oppressive atmosphere

Uses the presence of "heavy clouds" to set the stage for a negative feeling.

gathering storm

Similar to threatening skies, but more active and dynamic, suggesting the storm is forming.

cloudy skies

A more general term for a sky covered in clouds, lacking the intensity implied by "heavy clouds".

lowering clouds

Emphasizes the position of the clouds in the sky, suggesting they are close to the ground.

murky skies

Refers to the lack of visibility and general gloominess. May not be due to cloud coverage alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "heavy clouds" to describe weather conditions. For example: "The hikers were concerned when they saw "heavy clouds" gathering overhead." It can also set the stage for impending events.

What's a good alternative to "heavy clouds"?

Alternatives to "heavy clouds" include "overcast skies", "dense cloud cover", or "threatening skies", each offering a slightly different nuance.

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

While "heavy cloud" is grammatically correct, it's less common than "heavy clouds". "Heavy clouds" usually refers to a widespread condition, whereas "heavy cloud" might describe a single, particularly dense cloud.

Can "heavy clouds" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "heavy clouds" can be used metaphorically to represent a feeling of depression or impending doom. For instance, "Heavy clouds of doubt filled her mind."