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ELL Guide

A guide for ELL (English Language Learners) at the University of Maine at Augusta

On Cloud 9

On Cloud 9 is an idiom that means "really happy."  

On Cloud 9 examples

 

After I got an A on the exam, I was on cloud nine.   The speaker is really happy they got a good grade on the exam.  

 

I am on cloud nine because I just got into the last course I needed to graduate–and there was only one seat left!  The speaker is really happy they got into the course they needed to graduate.   

 

I am on cloud nine because I finally can go home to visit my parents after two years of being away from them!  The speaker is really happy they finally get to see their parents.  

 

The Student Government Association is putting on another pop-up lunch and I am on cloud nine because I haven’t had anything to eat yet for breakfast.   The speaker is really happy because they are really hungry, but going to get a free lunch from SGA.   

 

I am on cloud nine because the semester is about to be done and my classes were really hard.  The speaker is a really happy that the difficult semester is almost over.   

 

I am on cloud nine because I was able to get all five of my classes scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays.  That makes my life so much easier.  The speaker is really happy because all of their classes are scheduled for just two days of the week, which is very convenient for the speaker.   

 

They opened up a new cafeteria on campus and I am on cloud nine because now I do not have to go far to eat my lunch.   The speaker is really happy because the new campus cafeteria will make their life much more convenient.   

 

I am on cloud nine because my friend brought me coffee!  It does not take much to get me happy–when it comes to coffee.   The speaker is really happy because they were brought coffee, which the the speaker really enjoys.   

 

I am on cloud nine because I tried my first lobster roll and I absolutely loved it!   The speaker is really happy because they had a delicious Maine lobster roll for the first time.  

 

I was on cloud nine after having my first lobster–until the server brought the check and I had to pay: lobster rolls are expensive!  The speaker was really happy to enjoy a delicious Maine lobster roll, but such excitement was stymied when they had to pay for it because lobster rolls are typically determined by the market price of lobster, which is often very high.   

 

My family is visiting me at college for the first time–and I am on cloud nine!  I’m so happy.  The speaker is really happy to be visited by their family.   

 

I am on cloud nine because my best friend and I are in all of the same classes this term.  The speaker is really happy to share the exact same schedule as their friend this term.   

 

After I use the gym on campus, I always feel great like I am on cloud nine.  The speaker always feel really good after working out.  

 

I often feel bad about my papers before I take them to the writing center, but after I get help from the writing tutors I feel that my papers are in a good position.  I am so thankful that I am on cloud nine.  The speaker is always really happy after the excellent writing center tutors have helped with a paper.  

 

I dropped my computer before class and thought I had broken it.  But it turns out everything is fine.  I am so thrilled that my computer is okay and I don’t have to buy a new one; I’m on cloud nine.  The speaker is really happy that their computer is not broken.   

 

On Cloud 9 Quiz  

In each of the following examples, decide if the idiom "on cloud 9" is used correctly or incorrectly:  

  1. It’s sunny, the weather is good, I have no classes, and it is a perfect day for a hike: I’m on cloud 9.   Correct/Incorrect

  2. There is a lot of traffic today and I am going to be late for class.  I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  3. I broke my computer today.  Now I have to buy a new one and I do not think I have enough money in my bank account.  I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  4. My best friend is visiting me for the whole weekend. I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  5. I got a free UMA coffee mug that I love; I’m on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  6. They put a new bus stop right by my apartment building  so I do not have to change buses to get from my apartment to my house; I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  7. I just learned about these amazing new materials that help me with my English.  I find them incredible helpful and often fun; I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  8. I was sick for two weeks and missed my classes.  I have a lot of schoolwork to make up.  I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  9. I am a big soccer fan and my favorite team lost a big game.  I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

  10. My favorite team won a big game.  I am on cloud 9.  Correct/Incorrect

On Cloud 9 Quiz Answers 

  1. Correct  2.  Incorrect  3.  Incorrect  4.  Correct  5.  Correct  6.  Correct   7.  Correct  8)  Incorrect  9)  Incorrect  10)  Correct  

 

On Cloud 9 Exercise #1  

Write two sentences using the idiom "On Cloud 9":

 

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On Cloud 9  Exercise #2  

 

Write a three-paragraph short story or essay title "On Cloud 9."

 

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On Cloud 9 Exercise #3 

 

Search the internet for someone using the idiom "On Cloud 9."  Write where the found the term used, if it was used appropriately, and what the speaker meant by the use of the idiom. 

 

Where you found the term "On Cloud 9" used: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Was it used appropriately? ______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Why was it used appropriately(or why not)? In other words, explain what the speaker meant by their use of the idiom:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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On Cloud 9 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

Is on cloud 9 correctly or should it be spelled out like on cloud nine

That depends on the style or format of which you are writing?  For instance, if you are writing in MLA, APA, Chicago, etc. then you should consult those respective guides.  If you are writing for another place, you should check their preference.  If you are writing for yourself, then it is a personal choice.  

 

Why do you sometimes use the number for on cloud 9 and then at other times spell it out on cloud nine on this website?  

We use both forms because both are correct and we want to show examples of each.  While we do change between the two from section to section, we try to be consistent within each section because when you are writing something it is important to be consistent with your formatting.   

Additional resources for On Cloud 9:

 

Text:  

https://www.idioms.online/on-cloud-nine/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20cloud%20nine

 

Video:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJh3rStE8J4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsK1LLtzMzo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK2sHnqRkM4

 

Bonus:  

There are many popular songs with the title "Cloud 9," which is a shortened version of "On Cloud 9."  Here is one that was hit by the singer Jamiroquai:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVMtKQMAZqw

Accessibility Statement
The University provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities upon request. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations for a workshop should contact UMA Libraries at uma.library@maine.edu to submit a request. Due to the lead-time needed to arrange certain accommodations, individuals should submit their request no later 1 week before the event.