veil of dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veil of dust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thin layer of dust that obscures visibility or creates a hazy appearance. Example: "As the sun set, a veil of dust settled over the landscape, giving it an ethereal glow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Then the marines began to drive north engulfed in a veil of dust.

The New York Times

A thin veil of dust also hangs over much of the Arabian Sea.

The Guardian

Once the planets were destroyed, the debris would have fallen onto the star, generating a thick veil of dust and gas.

Harvard University

Several times Suleiman disappeared behind a veil of dust, only to emerge out of the cloud just a few feet ahead of me.

The New York Times - Travel

The black hole and the copious amounts of optical and ultraviolet radiation produced by gas falling onto it - as shown by the cut-out - are hidden by a heavy veil of dust and gas.

Harvard University

GEMAMPIR, Indonesia — As this village emptied around her, and the Mount Merapi volcano boomed not too far uphill behind a veil of dust, Puranti stood crying here on Sunday afternoon, frozen with indecision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The core of the galaxy is embedded within heavy veils of dust and gas.

Harvard University

Peering through the veils of dust and gas, it reveals not just stars but many more planetary mass objects than expected.

The Guardian

There are some strong infrared sources (especially in the constellation of Orion) that have no visible stars with them; these are presumably "cocoon stars" completely hidden by their veils of dust.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inside the veil of smoke, dust and terror, it was not so simple.

The New York Times

Here, countless hot young suns are forged and glow blue, white and orange through a thin veil of interstellar dust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "veil of dust" to create a sense of mystery, obscurity, or a subtle yet pervasive presence of dust in a scene.

Common error

Avoid using "veil of dust" in purely literal descriptions where a simpler term like "dusty air" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of atmosphere or concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veil of dust" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It vividly describes a state or condition characterized by the presence of fine particles that obscure or soften a view. Ludwig AI provides examples that highlight this function, demonstrating its ability to create a specific visual image in the reader's mind.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "veil of dust" is a versatile and evocative phrase functioning as a noun phrase that serves to describe a condition of obscuration or concealment by fine particles. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Its usage aims to create a vivid sensory experience, setting a neutral tone that may lean slightly formal depending on the context. While alternatives such as "haze of dust" or "cloud of dust" exist, "veil of dust" carries a unique ability to blend visual description with a sense of mystery or the intangible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

haze of dust

Replaces "veil" with "haze", suggesting a less defined and more diffuse obscuration.

cloud of dust

Substitutes "veil" with "cloud", emphasizing a larger, more voluminous obscuration.

layer of dust

Replaces "veil" with "layer", focusing on the physical aspect of dust accumulation.

shroud of dust

Uses "shroud" instead of "veil", implying a more enveloping and concealing effect.

blanket of dust

Employs "blanket" instead of "veil", suggesting a uniform and extensive covering.

screen of dust

Replaces "veil" with "screen", indicating a barrier that obscures vision.

cover of dust

Uses "cover" instead of "veil", focusing on the act of something being overlaid with dust.

coat of dust

Replaces "veil" with "coat", suggesting a thin layer of dust covering a surface.

dusty haze

Inverts the structure and uses "haze" emphasizing the atmospheric effect.

dust-filled air

Describes the air's condition, focusing on the presence and impact of dust.

FAQs

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

You can use "veil of dust" to describe a landscape obscured by fine particles, as in "A "veil of dust" settled over the desert landscape at sunset." It can also be used metaphorically.

What phrases are similar to "veil of dust"?

Similar phrases include "haze of dust", "cloud of dust", or "layer of dust", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a veil of dusts"?

No, the correct form is "a "veil of dust"". "Dust" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context.

Can "veil of dust" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "veil of dust" can be used metaphorically to describe something that obscures or hides something else, like "A "veil of dust" concealed the truth about the company's finances."