What are the definitions of “cloud over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get very cloudy.
The morning started bright and warm, but it CLOUDED OVER around midday and poured with rain.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cloud over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cloud over is when the sky becomes covered with clouds, often indicating that the weather is changing or becoming worse. For example, it can mean that a sunny day suddenly becomes cloudy and rainy.
What are the different verb forms of “cloud over”?
| Root Verb | cloud over |
| Third Person Singular Present | clouds over |
| Present Participle | clouding over |
| Simple Past | clouded over |
| Past Participle | clouded over |
Example
The sky started to cloud over in the afternoon.
Example
The weather often clouds over in the late afternoon.
Example
The sky is clouding over; it might rain soon.
Example
Yesterday, the sky clouded over and it started to rain.
Example
The sky had clouded over by the time we left the house.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cloud over”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“cloud over” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The sky clouded over quickly.
Example
It clouded over and started to rain.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cloud over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The sky clouded over quickly.
Example
It clouded over and started to rain.
Good things to know
Does “cloud over” have an informal or formal tone?
Cloud over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.
