puff of dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puff of dust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small cloud or burst of dust that is created when something moves quickly or forcefully, often in a dramatic or vivid context. Example: "As the car sped away, it left behind a puff of dust that hung in the air for a moment before settling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There was a puff of dust and the ball took the top-edge.

The Guardian - Sport

The forehand leaves only a faint puff of dust lingering in the air.

The New York Times

A bullet hits the cement wall behind his head, kicking up a puff of dust.

The New Yorker

This time, the ball landed in a puff of dust and spat away towards the backboard.

The Guardian - Sport

Subtle effects like smooth wall surfaces and the puff of dust that Mario kicks up when he runs down a hallway seem lost on a small screen.

The New York Times

The second bullet hit Rhys and the third bullet impacted on a stone wall - which on CCTV footage threw up a puff of dust.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Puffs of dust rise from the pile, now still.

The New York Times

Some smacked the ground around our feet, raising small puffs of dust and cracking into rocks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The jokes occasionally fall dead on the air, leaving little puffs of dust behind.

The New York Times

At every step the normally spongy soil bursts into puffs of dust.

The Guardian

It was a windy day and puffs of dust rolled around them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puff of dust" to vividly describe a small, sudden dispersal of dust, often associated with impact, movement, or decay. It adds a sense of immediacy and visual detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "puff of dust" in highly formal or scientific writing where precise measurements or technical descriptions are required. Opt for more specific and objective terms related to particulate matter or airborne particles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "puff of dust" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It's used to describe a small, noticeable emission of dust, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "puff of dust" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it effectively serves to paint a picture of a small, sudden release of dust. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, although it's advised to use it sparingly in formal or scientific writing. It’s important to note that this particular expression isn't as widespread as other similar expressions. Ludwig's examples highlight its descriptive power in creating vivid imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloud of dust

Indicates a larger or more diffuse amount of dust compared to a puff.

dust cloud

Similar to "cloud of dust", emphasizing the collective nature of the dust.

wisp of dust

Suggests a small, delicate, and fleeting amount of dust.

dust swirl

Describes dust moving in a circular or agitated manner.

dust flurry

Suggests a brief and light scattering of dust.

speck of dust

Refers to a tiny particle rather than a visible cloud.

dust haze

Conveys a thin layer of dust affecting visibility.

trace of dust

Implies a very minimal or lingering presence of dust.

smattering of dust

Implies a sparse distribution of dust across a surface.

dust particle

Focuses on the individual components of dust rather than the mass.

FAQs

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

You can use "puff of dust" to describe a small cloud of dust created by movement or impact. For example, "The car sped away, leaving a "puff of dust" behind."

What are some synonyms for "puff of dust"?

Alternatives include "cloud of dust", "wisp of dust", or "speck of dust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "puff of dust" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, in academic writing, it's often better to use more precise and scientific terms like "particulate matter" or describe the specific composition and size of the dust particles.

What's the difference between "puff of dust" and "cloud of dust"?

A "puff of dust" suggests a smaller, more localized dispersal, whereas "cloud of dust" implies a larger, more widespread accumulation of airborne particles.