with a puff of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a puff of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a light, airy, or sudden release of something, often in a whimsical or descriptive context. Example: "The magician made the rabbit disappear with a puff of smoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Speech begins with a puff of breath.

The New Yorker

I stepped on its head; it vanished with a puff of smoke, and the rattle stopped.

Nature

And lo-and-behold, with a puff of smoke, the tape turned to cinders.

The Economist

Or maybe he just whisks his whiskers away with a puff of superhuman breath.

The New York Times

He shakes a head flecked with stubble, topped with a puff of white.

The Guardian - Film

If you still have a smudge, add moisture with a puff of breath, and rub longer without the pressure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Lurking at her feet is a mythical beast, a basilisk, "which could kill with just a puff of its poison breath," Knight wrote.

Los Angeles Times

With a toe, a puff of wind Writes a word outside the world.

The New Yorker

Then the office handed it to a boy, who, bursting with energy from a puff of a Camel, had walked the remaining distance & delivered the message.

The New Yorker

It cannot quite compete, however, with the steamed ginger pudding, a spicy dream of a dessert, surrounded with poached nectarines and a puff of vanilla whipped cream.

The New York Times

Bekinschtein et al. (2009) presented PVS patients with a tone followed by a puff of air to the cornea.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a puff of" to vividly describe a small, light emission of smoke, air, or other fine particles, adding a touch of imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with a puff of" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise or scientific description is required. Opt for terms like 'slight emission' or 'small release' for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a puff of" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by adding descriptive detail about the manner or circumstance of an action. Ludwig shows examples such as 'vanished with a puff of smoke' or 'blow material off the asteroid's surface with a puff of nitrogen gas'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a puff of" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase, primarily functioning to add descriptive detail about the manner or circumstance of an action. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While generally appropriate, consider more precise language for formal or technical writing. Alternatives include "with a breath of" or "with a burst of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a breath of

This alternative suggests a gentle release of air, similar to a puff, but often implies a quieter or more controlled emission.

with a cloud of

Implies a larger, more diffused release compared to a "puff", often suggesting something more substantial or visually prominent.

with a burst of

This phrase indicates a more forceful and sudden release than "puff", conveying a sense of energy or intensity.

in a wisp of

Suggests a very light and delicate emission, emphasizing its fragility and ephemeral nature.

on a hint of

Indicates a subtle or barely perceptible presence, often used for scents or flavors rather than visible emissions.

with a trace of

Similar to "hint", this implies a minimal amount or presence, emphasizing its faintness.

with a wave of

Suggests a flowing or undulating movement, rather than a sudden burst. It works when the puff resembles a wave.

with a whiff of

Primarily associated with smells, indicating a brief and light scent.

with a glimmer of

Focuses on a brief flash of light, differing from the airy emission implied by "puff".

with a touch of

Indicates a slight addition or modification, often used for tactile or sensory experiences beyond just air or smoke.

FAQs

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

You can use "with a puff of" to describe a light emission, such as "The candle went out "with a puff of smoke"" or "He whisked his whiskers away "with a puff of superhuman breath"".

What are some alternatives to "with a puff of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "with a breath of", "with a cloud of", or "with a burst of".

Is it appropriate to use "with a puff of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "with a puff of" may be more suitable for descriptive or creative writing. In formal or technical contexts, consider more precise terms like "slight emission" or "small release".

What does "with a puff of" typically describe?

"With a puff of" usually describes a small, light emission of smoke, air, or other fine particles. It's often used to add imagery and detail to a description.