light as a cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light as a cloud" is not commonly used in written English, but it is grammatically correct.
You can use it to describe something that is very light or has little weight, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "The feather floated down, light as a cloud, landing softly on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He feels stripped of all the "rotting rot … till everything is light as a cloud".

The Guardian - Books

Pale and as light as a cloud, it teases the appetite.

The New York Times

Those going the breakfast route should try the "light as a cloud" ricotta pancakes, which live up to the menu's description.

The New York Times

A bag of 10, dusted in sugar and hot from the frier, are crunchy on the outside and light as a cloud within.

The Guardian - Travel

The "Emancipation Approximation" has two figures: a black figure is surmounted by a white figure in a dress with an ample skirt who seems both as light as a cloud and a heavy burden.

The New York Times

Other starters include a wonderful fried buffalo ricotta ($7), encased in egg batter and as light as a cloud, and a greaseless, savory fritto misto ($8.50) that offers squid, shrimp and a whole red mullet the size of a titan's cigar.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Relaxed cuts included deconstructed jackets in liquid silks, light-as-a-cloud creamy knitwear that shaded to gray down the torso and pleat-front pants that tapered slightly to an ankle cuff.

The New York Times

The wine is soft, fairly simple and as light as a cirrus cloud.

The New York Times

As light as a summer cloud and stuffed with a frankly obscene amount of crème patissière, they're bathed in sugar but not too sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Twice-fried artichoke leaves ($10) are delicate potato chip prototypes, while baccalà mantecato ($9), a whipped salt-cod-and-potato dish, is light as a briny cloud.

The New York Times - Food

Gustave Courbet's Demoiselles are stretched out in lace and frills on the banks of the Seine, while a dress as white and light as a passing cloud is displayed in a vitrine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light as a cloud" to describe textures or feelings, especially in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of ethereality, delicacy, or weightlessness. For example, you might describe a dessert, a fabric, or a state of mind as "light as a cloud".

Common error

Avoid using "light as a cloud" in highly technical or scientific descriptions where precision is paramount. The phrase is more suitable for creative or descriptive writing than for analytical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light as a cloud" functions primarily as a simile, comparing something to the perceived weightlessness and airy nature of a cloud. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct, and its usage aims to emphasize the delicacy or lack of weight of the subject being described.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Food

17%

Arts

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "light as a cloud" is a grammatically sound and evocative simile, predominantly used in creative and descriptive contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is less frequent than alternatives such as "light as a feather" or "light as air". Predominantly found in News & Media, Food, and Arts related content, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of weightlessness or delicacy, adding a touch of poetic flair to your writing. However, its usage should be carefully considered in technical or scientific contexts where precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light as air

A more common and direct comparison, emphasizing the absence of weight.

weightless as a feather

Replaces "cloud" with "feather", emphasizing the absence of weight.

airy as a breeze

Substitutes "cloud" with "breeze", focusing on the airy and gentle quality.

as light as thistledown

Uses a less common comparison to a very light and airy plant material.

ethereal as a dream

Emphasizes the delicate and dreamlike quality, moving away from a direct comparison to a physical object.

like floating on air

Emphasizes the sensation of weightlessness and ease.

fluffy as cotton

Replaces "cloud" with "cotton", focusing on a soft and airy texture.

buoyant as a balloon

Highlights the ability to float or rise easily, shifting the focus to movement.

delicate as a snowflake

Emphasizes the fragility and intricacy of something, while still suggesting lightness.

gossamer-thin

Uses a single adjective to describe something extremely light and delicate.

FAQs

How can I use "light as a cloud" in a sentence?

You can use "light as a cloud" to describe something with a delicate texture or a weightless feeling. For example: "The meringue was "light as a cloud", melting in my mouth."

What is a similar phrase to "light as a cloud"?

Similar phrases include "light as a feather", "light as air", or "weightless as a feather". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "light as a cloud" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "light as a cloud" in creative writing, descriptions, and contexts where you want to evoke a sense of ethereality or delicacy. Avoid it in technical or scientific writing where precision is needed.

Is "light as a cloud" a common expression in English?

While grammatically correct, "light as a cloud" is less common than other similar expressions like "light as a feather" or "light as air". Consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use it.