plume of dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plume of dust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible cloud or mass of dust that is raised, often by movement or disturbance in the environment. Example: "As the truck drove past, it kicked up a plume of dust that hung in the air for several moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

A plume of dust rose out of the shaft.

The New Yorker

A plume of dust and debris hid the sky.

Independent

We drove across the flats, leaving a plume of dust in our wake.

The New Yorker

A plume of dust again rose into the air, as falling pieces hit the ground.

The New York Times

A dark plume of dust rose from the garden and mixed with acrid smoke.

The Guardian

A plume of dust blowing from Australia out to the Southwest Pacific (Tasman Sea).

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Across the valley, plumes of dust rose behind new landslides.

The New Yorker

The biggest danger on many dirt and gravel roads is blinding plumes of dust.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Ridha slapped its cover twice, sending plumes of dust through his darkened shop.

The New York Times

Plumes of dust floated east, with some particles sprinkling to the ground.

The New York Times

Galileo caught some of the moon's more than 150 volcanoes spewing lava and plumes of dust and gas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events like explosions or collapses, use "plume of dust" to vividly depict the immediate aftermath and scale of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "plume of dust" when describing minor disturbances like someone dusting furniture. Opt for simpler descriptions such as "a bit of dust" or "fine particles" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plume of dust" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It vividly describes a visible mass of dust particles suspended in the air, often associated with a specific event or action. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase frequently linked to descriptions of explosions, collapses, or movement in arid environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plume of dust" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a visible mass of dust particles in the air. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in contexts like news reporting and academic writing, effectively conveying the scale and impact of events such as explosions, collapses, or natural occurrences. While alternatives like "cloud of dust" or "dust cloud" exist, "plume of dust" provides a slightly more vivid and descriptive image, suitable for both formal and neutral registers. However, avoid overusing it in everyday scenarios where simpler descriptions would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cloud of dust

Replaces "plume" with "cloud", emphasizing the overall mass and shape of the dust.

Dust cloud

A more concise alternative, reversing the order for brevity.

Billow of dust

Emphasizes the movement and billowing nature of the dust.

Dust column

Suggests a more vertical and defined shape of the dust.

Dust haze

Focuses on the atmospheric effect of the dust, creating a blurred vision.

Dust swirl

Implies a rotating or swirling motion of the dust.

Rising dust

Highlights the upward movement of the dust.

Dust trail

Describes a line or path of dust left behind by movement.

Airborne dust

Focuses on the fact that the dust particles are suspended in the air.

Suspension of dust

A more formal way of describing dust particles being held in the air.

FAQs

How can I use "plume of dust" in a sentence?

You can use "plume of dust" to describe a large quantity of dust rising into the air. For example, "The explosion sent up a huge "plume of dust" and debris".

What phrases are similar to "plume of dust"?

Similar phrases include "cloud of dust", "dust cloud", or "billow of dust".

Is it appropriate to use "plume of dust" in formal writing?

Yes, "plume of dust" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant events such as natural disasters, construction accidents, or explosions.

What is the difference between "plume of dust" and "dusting"?

"Plume of dust" refers to a significant cloud of airborne particles, often resulting from a forceful event. "Dusting", on the other hand, is the act of removing small amounts of dust from surfaces.