wisps of mist

USAGE SUMMARY

'wisps of mist' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe a light fog or cloud of mist that lingers in the air. For example: The early morning sun shone through the wisps of mist that floated above the lake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The sun had faded and wisps of mist floated like chiffon scarfs among the limestone crags.

The New York Times - Travel

As we climbed the hill the low cloud thinned then became wisps of mist.

The Guardian

It was a bright morning, cloudless, with only a few wisps of mist lingering around the hills in the remote distance.

The New Yorker

With the fitful sun shimmering through wisps of mist and on the space-age construction of the Westfield shopping complex, she is literally, as well as metaphorically with her online business, in the "cloud".

The New York Times

"I could never have imagined", Sarju says, "that I would see such people in my home".The autumn sun has now risen, burning wisps of mist off the green paddy-fields that are everywhere in Shahabpur.

The Economist

When it runs for 450m across a jungle ravine, through wisps of mist and splayed thickets of bamboo, past oceans of green and distant waterfalls, it transports you into the realms of the magically surreal.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A dark patch spreads along the surface, a wisp of mist shoots up, a barnacle-studded head breaches the water and a gangly shadow of a whale, barely perceptible in the choppy surf, sticks closely by its side.

The New York Times

Wisps of sea mist obscured the moon.

The New York Times - Travel

So the vessels at Booker & Dax will be cooled on the spot by a shot of liquid nitrogen, a wisp of frozen mist sent chasing around the rim.

The New York Times

The next day dawns deep blue, not even a wisp of English mist, and on the ride to Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, the sun pops up.

Huffington Post

"That bit of mist.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wisps of mist" to create a serene or mysterious atmosphere in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptions of landscapes, especially during dawn or dusk.

Common error

Avoid using "wisps of mist" in dialogue, as it's more suited for descriptive passages. Characters rarely speak in such poetic terms unless the context specifically calls for it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wisps of mist" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It paints a vivid picture of a light and ethereal atmospheric condition. Ludwig provides examples of this usage, illustrating its effectiveness in setting a scene.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Environment

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wisps of mist" is a descriptive noun phrase, commonly used to depict a light, ethereal atmospheric condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for descriptive purposes. Its primary function is to evoke atmosphere, contributing to a sense of tranquility or mystery, and is most frequently found in news and media, travel, and environmental writing. While not overly common, it's a valuable tool for creating vivid imagery, but it's best reserved for descriptive passages rather than dialogue. Alternatives like "thin veils of mist" or "light fog" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin veils of mist

Highlights the translucent, covering effect of the mist.

drifting mists

Highlights the movement and gentle dispersal of the mist.

tendrils of fog

Emphasizes the elongated, reaching quality of the mist.

shreds of mist

Emphasizes the fragmented, torn appearance of the mist.

ethereal mists

Adds a sense of otherworldliness and beauty to the description.

fleeting mists

Conveys the ephemeral, transient nature of the mist.

patches of fog

Focuses on the scattered nature of the fog, rather than its thinness.

scattered fog

Focuses on the dispersed, unorganized presence of the mist.

light fog

Simplifies the description to a general atmospheric condition.

delicate haze

Suggests a softer, less defined presence of moisture in the air.

FAQs

How can I use "wisps of mist" in a sentence?

You can use "wisps of mist" to describe a light fog or haze, as in "The valley was filled with "wisps of mist" in the early morning."

What are some alternatives to "wisps of mist"?

Alternatives include "thin veils of mist", "light fog", or "drifting mists", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "wisps of mist" in formal writing?

Yes, "wisps of mist" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when creating descriptive imagery in literary or environmental contexts. Consider "thin veils of mist", "light fog", or "ethereal mists".

Can "wisps of mist" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "wisps of mist" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is faint, transient, or partially obscuring, such as ""wisps of mist" of memory".