a bolt of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bolt of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden flash or burst of light, often in a metaphorical or poetic context. Example: "As the storm cleared, a bolt of light illuminated the darkened sky, revealing the beauty of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then it came, like a bolt of light.

The Guardian

Then a bolt of light ran through the interior aisle, and soot came down through the air vents.

The New York Times

In the video, which shows the moment lightning strikes the train in Tokyo, a bolt of light surges across the early evening sky before touching down on a railway as the train passes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pikachu from the Pokémon games can bring down a bolt of lighting, Link from the Zelda games can fire arrows and the pink blob Kirby can suck enemies inside him to acquire their powers.

The New York Times - Tech

Join Jo on the Village Green, and find out more about Holly Sparkes, just your average 12-year-old girl - until she becomes extraordinary, after being hit by a bolt of lighting.

The Guardian

It was then, like a bolt of lighting striking a Botero jello sculpture on a trampoline raft in the middle of a lake, that I realized I was paying a cat three dollars an hour to advertise an illegal sandwich operation almost five miles north of my truck.

The New Yorker

The Challenge arrived like a bolt of lighting.

Vice

A bolt of lighting struck several campers at The Goldman Union Camp (GUCI), one of them being Ethan Kadish.

Huffington Post

Like a bolt of lighting, I got struck with a thought that has helped guide my life ever since: Would I ever purposely slam my finger in a door?

Huffington Post

Try creating your own small decorations using the provided basic shapes such as circles, squares, lines, etc. See if you can make a pretty flower border, or maybe a bolt of lighting just using those specific shapes.

WikiHow

During my stay, I never had to wait long for the light to change; I no sooner left one view of rocks bathed in rich, afternoon sunshine than I turned a corner and found myself facing a thunderhead, all bruised and purpled with only a single bolt of light shining down on one of the mesas.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bolt of light" to vividly describe a sudden, striking illumination or a moment of sudden insight. The phrase is particularly effective in narrative or descriptive writing to create a dramatic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "a bolt of light" in contexts where literal light is meant but not sudden or striking. The phrase carries a connotation of suddenness and intensity, so ensure it fits the context. Using it to describe a consistent light source would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bolt of light" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use in describing sudden and striking instances of illumination, both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bolt of light" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a sudden and intense flash of light, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage and emphasizes its effectiveness in creating a vivid and dramatic effect. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure it aligns with the sudden and striking nature of the described event or realization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flash of brilliance

Focuses on the sudden and impressive nature of the light, emphasizing its intellectual or creative aspect.

a sudden illumination

Highlights the abrupt and enlightening nature of the light or realization.

a burst of radiance

Emphasizes the intensity and widespread effect of the light.

a streak of lightning

Maintains the imagery of lightning but focuses on its linear and rapid movement.

a beam of sunshine

Shifts the imagery to sunlight, representing warmth and positivity.

a spark of insight

Moves from literal light to figurative insight or understanding.

a wave of enlightenment

Conveys a broader and more encompassing sense of understanding.

an epiphany

Captures the sudden and profound nature of the realization, removing the light metaphor.

a moment of clarity

Focuses on the clearness and understanding gained, without direct reference to light.

a revelation

Highlights the revealing aspect of the experience, emphasizing the unveiling of something previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "a bolt of light" in a sentence?

You can use "a bolt of light" to describe a sudden flash of lightning, or metaphorically to describe a sudden idea or realization. For example, "A bolt of light illuminated the landscape," or "The answer came to her like "a bolt of light".

What are some alternatives to "a bolt of light"?

Alternatives include "a flash of brilliance", "a sudden illumination", or "a spark of insight", depending on the specific context and whether you're referring to literal or figurative light.

Is it correct to use "a bolt of light" to describe a gradual increase in brightness?

No, "a bolt of light" implies a sudden, intense burst. For gradual increases in brightness, use phrases like "a gradual illumination" or "a slow increase in light".

What's the difference between "a bolt of light" and "a ray of light"?

"A bolt of light" suggests a sudden, powerful burst, often associated with lightning. "A ray of light" refers to a beam of light, which may be steady or continuous.