pillar of smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

"pillar of smoke" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe something like a large plume of smoke rising from a forest fire. For example, "The sky was filled with a huge pillar of smoke that rose from the wildfire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You could see the pillar of smoke from space.

The New Yorker

Firefighters in heavy bunker gear yelled at colleagues, who stood looking toward a rolling pillar of smoke to move.

The New York Times

As she sits on the wooden steps of her home, a pillar of smoke rises from a controlled detonation in her field.

Independent

Tzu-Chao Chou makes a triumphant first entrance, bobbing midair at the top of a pillar of smoke, before whizzing through a firework display of leaps and turns.

Independent

The space shuttle Atlantis, commanded by Scott D. Altman, bolted through the sky on a pillar of smoke and fire just after 2 p.m. Monday.

The New York Times - Science

The space shuttle Atlantis, commanded by Scott D. Altman, a retired Navy captain, bolted through the sky on a pillar of smoke and fire just after 2 p.m.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Hundreds of fires were visible below pillars of smoke wavering in the wind.

The New York Times

The cover showed a wasteland of mushroom clouds and twisting pillars of smoke.

The New York Times - Magazine

Black pillars of smoke that could be seen from afar rose above the area.

The New York Times

From above, the scene resembled a war zone: pillars of smoke, flashes of fire and vast expanses of charred remains.

The New York Times

People of all shapes, sizes and ages were slowly sucked into the vortex, then suddenly whisked into the pillars of smoke and fire, their hair and clothing alight.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pillar of smoke" to create a vivid image of a large, vertical column of smoke, often associated with fires, explosions, or other significant events.

Common error

While "pillar of smoke" is evocative, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "plume of smoke" or "rising smoke cloud" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pillar of smoke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used. Examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing visual scenes and events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pillar of smoke" is a grammatically correct and visually evocative noun phrase, commonly used to describe a rising column of smoke. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves a descriptive purpose, often associated with events like fires and explosions. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "plume of smoke" or "rising smoke cloud" for varied writing. Top sources include The New York Times, The Independent and The Guardian. While the phrase is usually employed literally, metaphorical uses are possible based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Column of rising smoke

Replaces "pillar" with the synonymous "column" while retaining the visual image of smoke ascending.

Tower of smoke

Substitutes "pillar" with "tower", emphasizing the height and verticality of the smoke.

Plume of smoke

Uses "plume" to describe the shape and form of the smoke cloud.

Rising cloud of smoke

Focuses on the upward movement and cloudy nature of the smoke.

Billowing smoke column

Highlights the billowing or surging movement within the smoke column.

Vortex of smoke

Suggests a swirling, rotating motion within the smoke.

Smoke ascending

Simplifies the phrase to its core components: smoke and its upward movement.

Smoke rising vertically

Emphasizes the vertical direction of the smoke's ascent.

Large smoke cloud

Describes the phenomenon focusing in the size and making the "cloud" aspect more evident.

Massive smoke emission

Focuses on the emission or release of a large amount of smoke.

FAQs

How can I use "pillar of smoke" in a sentence?

You can use "pillar of smoke" to describe a visually striking column of smoke, often associated with a fire or explosion. For example, "A massive "pillar of smoke" rose from the burning building".

What are some alternatives to "pillar of smoke"?

Alternatives include "plume of smoke", "column of smoke", or "rising smoke cloud". The best choice depends on the specific context and the image you want to evoke.

Is "pillar of smoke" a metaphor or a literal description?

While "pillar of smoke" is primarily a literal description of a visual phenomenon, it can also be used metaphorically to suggest something substantial, imposing, or ominous, depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pillars of smoke" instead of "pillar of smoke"?

Yes, "pillars of smoke" is the plural form and is appropriate when describing multiple distinct columns of smoke. For instance, "Pillars of smoke rose from various points in the city after the bombing".