is clouded by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is clouded by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is overshadowed, or not clear, because of something else. For example, "His reputation is clouded by the allegations of fraud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

My life is clouded by one thing: student loan debt.

The New York Times - Style

"My world is clouded by you," he tells Eleanor.

The New York Times - Books

The rest of the day is clouded by Mary's sorrow over the lion.

The New Yorker

Like much of what occurs in Xinjiang, the most recent violence is clouded by conflicting accounts.

The New York Times

The state's outlook is clouded by the long decline of Detroit's motor industry.

The Economist

I can recognize a fine automobile, but my objectivity is clouded by passion.

The New York Times

Hawks say Indian politicians' judgment about China is clouded by economic ties.

The Economist

Olive-McCoy's gratitude is clouded by worry that the company-funded charity might end one day.

The Washington Post

The markets' outlook is clouded by the Federal Reserve's plans to continue raising interest rates.

The Washington Post

Still, even the article's authors concede that their work is clouded by uncertainties.

The New York Times

Yet, as with all religions, informed debate is clouded by myths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is clouded by" when you want to express that something is obscured or negatively affected by another factor, creating a sense of uncertainty or negativity. For instance, "The company's future is clouded by recent scandals."

Common error

Avoid using "is clouded by" to describe positive situations. This phrase inherently implies a negative impact or obscuring effect. Instead of saying "The celebration is clouded by joy", use a more appropriate phrase like "filled with joy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is clouded by" functions as a passive construction used to express that a subject is obscured, negatively affected, or made uncertain due to a specific factor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is clouded by" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is obscured or negatively impacted by another factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English writing. It's frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it can add depth and nuance to your writing, avoid misusing it in positive contexts. Alternatives like "is overshadowed by" or "is obscured by" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. This makes it a valuable tool for expressing uncertainty or negativity in a clear and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is obscured by

Replaces "clouded" with "obscured", suggesting something is hidden or made less clear.

is overshadowed by

Uses "overshadowed" to imply that something is less prominent due to something else.

is tainted by

Implies something is negatively affected or corrupted by something else.

is marred by

Indicates that something is spoiled or damaged by something else.

is influenced negatively by

More explicitly states that the influence is negative.

is compromised by

Suggests something is weakened or made vulnerable by something else.

is diminished by

Indicates something is reduced in importance or quality.

is affected adversely by

A more formal way of saying something is negatively impacted.

is undermined by

Implies something is weakened gradually or secretly.

is colored by

Suggests that something's perception is changed or biased by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "is clouded by" in a sentence?

Use "is clouded by" to indicate that something is obscured or negatively affected by another factor. For example, "The project's success "is clouded by" budget constraints".

What are some alternatives to "is clouded by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is overshadowed by", "is obscured by", or "is tainted by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "is clouded by" in a positive context?

No, "is clouded by" typically implies a negative or obscuring effect, so it's best used in contexts where something is being negatively impacted. Using it in a positive context can sound unnatural and confusing. In these situations consider "filled with" or "enhanced by".

What's the difference between "is clouded by" and "is influenced by"?

"Is influenced by" is a neutral term indicating that something is affected by something else, while "is clouded by" suggests a negative or obscuring impact. "Is influenced by" simply acknowledges an effect, whereas ""is clouded by"" indicates a darkening or obscuring effect.