puff of smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "puff of smoke" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small amount of smoke that is released in a brief burst or cloud. Here are a few examples of how it could be used in a sentence: - "As the magician waved his wand, a puff of smoke appeared and then disappeared just as quickly." - "The old car sputtered to life, emitting a puff of smoke from the exhaust pipe." - "The birthday candles flickered and then went out, leaving behind a puff of smoke." - "The firecracker exploded with a loud bang, followed by a puff of smoke." - "The campfire crackled and sent a puff of smoke into the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A puff of smoke.

The New Yorker

A puff of smoke and rapturous applause.

Independent

In a puff of smoke.

The Guardian

There will not even be a puff of smoke.

The Economist

But she remembers her first puff of smoke, aged five.

The Guardian

He gestured to evoke a puff of smoke.

The Guardian - Music

The fantasy vanished like a puff of smoke.

The New Yorker

Damn, rumbled [disappears in a puff of smoke].

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That puff of smoke is so delicious, so welcoming.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We waited for soccer's equivalent to the white puff of smoke from the Vatican.

The New York Times - Sports

They have seen too many past cures for cancer vanish in a puff of smoke.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "puff of smoke" when you want to convey a sense of something disappearing quickly or being insubstantial. It's particularly effective in metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "puff of smoke" when a more precise description of smoke is needed. If you're describing a large fire, phrases like "thick plumes of smoke" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puff of smoke" is that of a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, it correctly describes a small emission of smoke. The examples show it modifying verbs of appearance or disappearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Lifestyle

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "puff of smoke" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a noun phrase with the primary function of depicting either a small burst of smoke or, metaphorically, something fleeting and insubstantial. While suitable across various registers, it finds prevalent use in news and media. Its versatility and established presence in written English make it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wisp of smoke

Emphasizes the thin, delicate nature of the smoke.

trace of smoke

Highlights the minimal amount of smoke present.

cloud of smoke

Suggests a larger, more diffuse amount of smoke.

smoky exhalation

Focuses on the act of something releasing smoke.

fleeting smoke

Highlights the ephemeral nature of the smoke.

small cloud of fumes

Implies a potentially harmful or unpleasant smoke.

brief emission of smoke

Stresses the short duration of the smoke's appearance.

sudden burst of smoke

Emphasizes the abruptness of the smoke's appearance.

waft of smoke

Conveys a gentle, drifting movement of the smoke.

smog

Implies smoke that is intense or has the appearance of pollution.

FAQs

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

The phrase "puff of smoke" can be used to describe a small burst of smoke or, metaphorically, something that disappears quickly. For instance, "The magician vanished in a puff of smoke" or "Her hopes disappeared like a puff of smoke".

What are some alternatives to "puff of smoke"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "wisp of smoke", "trace of smoke", or "cloud of smoke". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "puff of smoke" metaphorically?

It's suitable when describing something that vanishes or disappears suddenly and completely. The image evokes a sense of fleeting presence and absence, making it effective for describing lost opportunities or failed plans.

Is "puff of smoke" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "puff of smoke" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, its use in highly technical or scientific writing might be less common than in creative or journalistic pieces.