on cloud nine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on cloud nine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that can be used to express the feeling of being extremely happy or ecstatic. Example: I'm feeling so excited about the new job that I'm practically on cloud nine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The discovery by police of a 1696 Stradivarius worth £1.2m and two bows with a combined value of £67,000 taken by opportunist thieves in 2010 while Korean-born violinist Min-Jin Kym was eating at a Pret a Manger cafe at Euston station has, she said, left her "on cloud nine" with an "incredible feeling of elation".

The Guardian

Jones's presence was felt on the Temptations' Ain't Too Proud to Beg, one of the hardest Motown stompers, but it's his effervescent, shimmering turns on Cloud Nine and Psychedelic Shack, and Smokey Robinson's gloriously soft I Second That Emotion, not to mention Marvin Gaye's radically reworked I Heard It Through the Grapevine, where he came into his own.

The Guardian - Music

He's exhausted but on cloud nine.

The New York Times - Food

Doc Bortolazzo was on cloud nine.

The New York Times - Sports

I returned to work on cloud nine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Confidence-wise, I'm on cloud nine right now," Bickell said.

The New York Times - Sports

"She's on cloud nine," Jennifer Hudson said of Hope.

The New York Times

The couple, every royal analyst agrees, is on cloud nine.

The New York Times

"They're on Cloud Nine, like any other newly engaged couple".

The New York Times

He is, he says, on cloud nine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I was on a cloud nine," Mr. Hollenbach said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on cloud nine" to vividly express a feeling of extreme happiness or elation. It's particularly effective in informal contexts and personal narratives to convey a sense of joy and contentment.

Common error

While "on cloud nine" is a colorful idiom, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise language to describe positive feelings when necessary.

How to use

Learn how to use "on cloud nine" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiom "on cloud nine" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme happiness or elation. Ludwig highlights this usage across numerous examples, affirming its role in conveying intense positive emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"On cloud nine" is a widely recognized idiom used to express a state of extreme happiness or elation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in informal contexts. While appropriate for expressing personal joy, it may be less suitable for formal or professional writing where more precise language is preferred. Alternative phrases like "over the moon" or "in seventh heaven" can convey similar meanings. Remember to use this idiom judiciously, considering the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in seventh heaven

Indicates a state of perfect happiness, similar to being "on cloud nine" but with a more traditional, somewhat old-fashioned feel.

over the moon

Conveys extreme happiness and delight, much like "on cloud nine", but uses a different celestial body for the metaphor.

on top of the world

Expresses a feeling of great success and happiness, akin to being "on cloud nine", but emphasizes accomplishment.

walking on air

Describes a feeling of lightness and joy, similar to "on cloud nine", often used in romantic contexts.

in a state of bliss

Emphasizes the serene and peaceful nature of extreme happiness, similar to the feeling of being "on cloud nine".

absolutely thrilled

Highlights the excitement and pleasure experienced, comparable to being "on cloud nine", but more direct.

elated

A formal way to describe a feeling of great happiness, sharing the sentiment of being "on cloud nine".

ecstatic

Implies an overwhelming feeling of joy, similar to "on cloud nine", but can suggest a more intense, almost frenzied happiness.

in raptures

Suggests being carried away by overwhelming delight, similar to being "on cloud nine", but more dramatic.

deliriously happy

Indicates an almost uncontrollable happiness, like being "on cloud nine", but with a hint of being overwhelmed by joy.

FAQs

How can I use "on cloud nine" in a sentence?

You can use "on cloud nine" to describe a state of extreme happiness. For example, "After receiving the award, she was "on cloud nine" all week."

What does it mean to be "on cloud nine"?

Being "on cloud nine" means experiencing a state of extreme happiness or elation. It's a figurative expression to describe a feeling of being exceptionally joyful.

Are there alternative phrases to "on cloud nine"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "over the moon", "in seventh heaven", or "on top of the world" to express similar feelings of happiness.

Is "on cloud nine" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "on cloud nine" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and less figurative language to convey happiness or elation.