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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with "cloud"

Cloud combines with different prepositions in literal and idiomatic expressions. Some combinations are standard fixed phrases, while others are limited or nonstandard.

Quick answer

Common prepositions with "cloud"

Use in the clouds for a literal or figurative position and on cloud nine for the idiom meaning extremely happy. Of cloud is uncommon except in descriptive phrases such as a mass of cloud.

The mountain peak disappeared in the clouds.
She has been on cloud nine since the announcement.
A thick bank of cloud covered the coast.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in the clouds

Showing location or dreamy thinking

This phrase can describe physical position or lack of attention.

The aircraft vanished in the clouds.
He always seems in the clouds during meetings.
2
on cloud nine

Expressing extreme happiness

This is a fixed idiom meaning very happy.

After the award ceremony, she was on cloud nine.
3
a mass of cloud

Describing quantity or appearance

Of is used after nouns that describe amount or shape.

We saw a huge mass of cloud over the sea.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of cloud
A thin layer of cloud drifted across the valley.
Used after quantity or descriptive nouns; not usually a standalone pattern.
in cloud
The summit was hidden in cloud.
Standard mainly in British English for being covered by cloud or mist.
on cloud
She felt on cloud nine all week.
On cloud alone is incomplete in standard English; the idiom is on cloud nine.
in the clouds
The towers disappeared in the clouds.
Literal or figurative position within clouds.
on cloud nine
He has been on cloud nine since the promotion.
Extremely happy.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using "on cloud" without the full idiom

Standard English uses on cloud nine.

✕ She is on cloud after the news. ✓ She is on cloud nine after the news.

Using bare "of cloud" as a general phrase

Of cloud usually follows a descriptive noun.

✕ The sky was full of cloud shapes of cloud. ✓ The sky was full of cloud shapes.

Confusing "in cloud" and "in the clouds"

In cloud is mainly literal, while in the clouds can also be figurative.

✕ He was in cloud during the lecture. ✓ He was in the clouds during the lecture.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The hikers disappeared ___ the clouds.
2. After hearing the good news, Marta was ___ cloud nine.
3. We saw a large bank ___ cloud over the hills.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "in cloud" correct?

Yes, especially in British English, to describe something surrounded or covered by cloud.

Can I say "on cloud" by itself?

Usually no. The standard idiom is on cloud nine.

What does "in the clouds" mean figuratively?

It describes someone who is distracted, dreamy, or not paying attention.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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