veil of smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veil of smoke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where visibility is obscured or to create a metaphorical sense of confusion or mystery. Example: "As the fire raged on, a thick veil of smoke enveloped the entire area, making it difficult to see anything beyond a few feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Beken, one of Haiti's most gifted musicians, exhaled a veil of smoke.

The New York Times

Hundreds drift through the veil of smoke that rises from the refuse each day at dawn.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Would George and Martha's living room broadsides in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" be equally vicious without their boozy veil of smoke?

The New York Times

One day, she might seem pale and plain, "and we leave you alone in the veil of smoke that makes you look like a sullen bride, bored at her own wedding table".

The New Yorker

When Marise, mocking, blew out a veil of smoke, she had a glimpse for a moment of Gil's malevolent Bitch from Hell, the strong-jawed dark sorceress who might incite a man to violence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As student revolutionaries are gassed and shot at by henchmen of the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, they become mythological figures advancing heroically through parting veils of smoke.

The New York Times

The beer is well conditioned, unlike the air, which is thick with the heat of working bodies, a veil of tobacco smoke and the aroma of hot pork fat.

The Guardian - Travel

The Americans' judgment must have been clouded "by a veil of marijuana smoke", declared Colombia's labour minister, echoing the frustration felt by many of his countrymen at Mr Clinton's refusal to acknowledge Colombia's recent attempts to check drug traffickers.

The Economist

Add a veil of cigarette smoke, hard liquor and two more years of the current administration, and one can imagine these shows, which Hamilton says the group plans to do quarterly, beginning to resemble the famously lewd, satirical and politically subversive cabarets of Weimar Berlin.

Los Angeles Times

A soft curtain of light descends over the stage, evoking veil-like clouds of smoke.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "veil of smoke" in descriptive writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the source and density of the smoke. This enhances the reader's understanding of the scene and the impact of the obscured visibility.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "veil of smoke" as a metaphor. While effective, frequent use can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "screen of smoke" or "cloud of smoke" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veil of smoke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a condition where visibility is obscured by smoke. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veil of smoke" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, typically employed to describe a scene where visibility is obscured by smoke or, metaphorically, to indicate something that conceals or distorts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is found in various contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media sources. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts and vary your descriptive language to maintain impact. Alternatives such as "curtain of smoke" or "screen of smoke" offer similar imagery and prevent redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curtain of smoke

Replaces "veil" with "curtain", suggesting a more dramatic and visually distinct obscuration.

screen of smoke

Substitutes "veil" with "screen", implying a barrier that obscures vision or truth.

blanket of smoke

Replaces "veil" with "blanket", suggesting a wider, more encompassing obscuration.

cloud of smoke

Replaces "veil" with "cloud", which is a more general term for a mass of smoke.

shroud of smoke

Substitutes "veil" with "shroud", implying a more enveloping and concealing effect.

smokescreen

This is a single word, which is often used metaphorically to hide an activity.

pall of smoke

Uses "pall" instead of "veil", suggesting a more somber or ominous covering.

haze of smoke

Changes "veil" to "haze", indicating a lighter, less dense obscuration.

smog

A more general and common type of air pollution.

obscuration of smoke

This is a more formal term to say that the smoke is obscuring something.

FAQs

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

You can use "veil of smoke" to describe a situation where smoke obscures vision, for example: "A veil of smoke hung over the battlefield". It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that obscures understanding.

What are some synonyms for "veil of smoke"?

Alternatives to "veil of smoke" include "curtain of smoke", "screen of smoke", or "cloud of smoke", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "veil of smoke" in formal writing?

Yes, "veil of smoke" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in descriptive or analytical contexts where a vivid image of obscured visibility or understanding is needed. However, ensure the tone and style align with the overall formality of the piece.

What does "veil of smoke" mean metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "veil of smoke" represents something that obscures, hides, or distorts reality or understanding. It suggests a lack of clarity or a deliberate attempt to conceal information or intentions.