looming cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looming cloud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large, threatening cloud, often in reference to a metaphor for a sense of impending danger or doom. For example, "The looming cloud of economic recession threatened to plunge the nation into financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The pressures and looming cloud are always there".

The New York Times

"I feel like there is this looming cloud over my life.

The New Yorker

With Jason Kreis's future continuing to be a looming cloud of despair, one would be excused for thinking the future of the club was hanging in the balance.

The Guardian - Sport

Virtually every president or monarch from around the globe made some reference to the financial upheaval, and the looming cloud was also the buzz of the back corridors.

The New York Times

The other looming cloud on Monaco's sunny new future is Uefa's financial fair play rule, which aims to prompt clubs to live within their means, just as Ekaterina Rybolovlev's trust has sprung Monaco clear of theirs.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent years, however, as the looming cloud of Medicare and Social Security has grown ever larger, it's become less certain that taxes for retirees will be much lower a decade or three from now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Yet no one in the desert here wants to think too much about those looming clouds.

The New York Times

These worlds aren't calm; they're full of intrigue and eruptions and looming clouds.

The New York Times - Arts

The Robber, whose whole disposition was that of a liberal freethinker and republican, also became soul-sick on account of the looming clouds darkening the political horizon.

The New Yorker

Meteorological update: for the first time the commentators looming clouds, and even though the players are casting strong enough shadows for me to deduce it's still quite sunny in Paris, it might not be for long.

The Guardian - Sport

BURLINGAME, Calif. Even in the technology sphere, the looming clouds are lined with silver.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “looming cloud” to create a sense of foreboding or anticipation of negative events. It's effective when hinting at potential problems rather than stating them directly.

Common error

Avoid using “looming cloud” to describe positive situations. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation and will sound out of place if used otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “looming cloud” functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective “looming” modifies the noun “cloud”. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is often used to depict a threatening or impending sense of danger.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “looming cloud” is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe a potential threat or impending negativity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, remember to use it appropriately, avoiding positive contexts. As demonstrated by examples in news and media, this phrase is typically employed to create a sense of foreboding. Consider using synonyms like "impending doom" or "gathering storm" for variety. With a neutral to professional register, “looming cloud” is a versatile tool for hinting at problems on the horizon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending doom

Replaces the cloud metaphor with a more direct term for negative future events.

gathering storm

Employs a different meteorological metaphor to suggest an approaching crisis.

approaching threat

Substitutes the cloud image with a more explicit expression of danger.

darkening horizon

Uses a visual metaphor of a horizon growing dim to indicate trouble.

shadowy presence

Shifts from weather-related imagery to a metaphor about a sinister force.

oncoming crisis

Focuses on the inevitability of a critical situation.

imminent danger

Emphasizes the urgency and proximity of a potential hazard.

rising concern

Downplays the threat, focusing on the increase in worry or anxiety.

growing unease

Highlights the increasing discomfort or apprehension about a situation.

developing problem

Uses a more neutral tone to describe an issue that is becoming more significant.

FAQs

How can I use “looming cloud” in a sentence?

You can use “looming cloud” to describe a potential threat or problem that is approaching. For instance, “The "looming cloud" of recession cast a shadow over the economy”.

What's a good alternative to “looming cloud”?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "impending doom", "gathering storm", or "approaching threat".

Is “looming cloud” a formal or informal expression?

“Looming cloud” is suitable for both neutral and formal writing. It appears frequently in news and media, indicating its broad acceptability.

What does “looming cloud” typically refer to?

“Looming cloud” typically refers to a negative situation that is likely to occur in the future, such as an economic downturn, a political crisis, or an environmental disaster.