passing cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passing cloud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe something transient or fleeting, often in reference to emotions or situations that are temporary. Example: "Her sadness was like a passing cloud, quickly overshadowed by moments of joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It had until 1 35 p.m. been producing more electricity than the building could use — a three-hour energy budget surplus — interrupted only around noon by a passing cloud formation.

The New York Times - Science

A collapse of the euro, blamed rightly or wrongly on British "dog-in-the-manger stubbornness", would make the present row "look like a passing cloud on a summer's day", one EU diplomatic source said yesterday.

Independent

AUSSIE VERDICT It may seem like England's grip on the prize strengthens with each passing cloud, but there still is some stressful cricket to be viewed and played over the next two days.

The Guardian - Sport

I want my peripheral vision filled with what's beyond my couch, hammock, beach towel, bedcovers — namely, the occasional passing cloud, bird, barefoot child, or headlights from the street below.

The New York Times

Often PV arrays get shadowed fully or partially by passing cloud, building, poles, trees, etc.

Environmental Systems Research

SPV (solar photovoltaic) systems are often partially shadowed by passing cloud, neighboring building, chimney, tree, telephone pole etc.

Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Alliances can be as permanent as passing clouds.

The Guardian - Sport

The next morning, the glass forms had picked up the moodiness of the passing clouds.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, he had dancers enveloped by white costumes glide like passing clouds.

The New York Times

Lie on the ground and watch the passing clouds overhead for further directions.

The Guardian - Travel

Bergen's rain seems to come from passing clouds high above.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about renewable energy, accurately describe the impact of "passing clouds" on solar photovoltaic systems. For instance: 'Solar photovoltaic systems are often partially shadowed by "passing clouds", which reduces the energy produced.'

Common error

Avoid using "passing cloud" to describe something permanent or long-lasting. It implies transience, so it's unsuitable for enduring situations or emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing cloud" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It can literally describe a cloud moving across the sky or metaphorically represent a temporary state or emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "passing cloud" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe something transient or temporary. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage, which is reflected in various contexts, from literal descriptions of weather to metaphorical representations of emotions or situations. Its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its transient connotation. Common related phrases include "fleeting cloud" and "transient cloud". In summary, "passing cloud" is an apt phrase for describing temporary phenomena, but caution should be exercised to avoid misapplying it to permanent conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting cloud

Emphasizes the brief duration of the cloud's presence.

transient cloud

Highlights the temporary nature and impermanence of the cloud.

ephemeral cloud

Stresses the short-lived existence and delicate nature of the cloud.

drifting cloud

Focuses on the movement and lack of fixed position of the cloud.

wandering cloud

Suggests a cloud without a specific destination, moving aimlessly.

fleeting shadow

Metaphorically applies the cloud's transience to the shadow it casts.

temporary gloom

Represents the cloud's effect on the atmosphere as a transient period of darkness.

momentary obscurity

Highlights the brief period of reduced visibility caused by the cloud.

brief shade

Emphasizes the short duration of the shade provided by the cloud.

short-lived gloom

Underlines the temporary nature of the darkness brought by the cloud.

FAQs

How can the phrase "passing cloud" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "passing cloud" can represent a temporary period of sadness, difficulty, or any other transient emotion or situation. It suggests that the issue is not permanent and will eventually dissipate, much like an actual cloud drifts away.

What are some synonyms for "passing cloud" that emphasize its temporary nature?

Synonyms that highlight the temporary aspect include "fleeting cloud", "transient cloud", or "ephemeral cloud". These alternatives stress the short-lived nature of the cloud.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "passing cloud"?

The phrase "passing cloud" is suitable in both literal descriptions of weather and metaphorical contexts, such as describing a brief moment of sadness or a temporary obstacle. It is commonly found in literature, news articles, and everyday conversations.

How does the phrase "passing cloud" compare to "storm cloud" in terms of connotation?

While "passing cloud" suggests a brief and often inconsequential period of gloom, "storm cloud" implies a more significant and potentially destructive event. Therefore, "passing cloud" is suitable for minor, temporary issues, while "storm cloud" is more appropriate for serious, impactful situations.