a display of lights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a display of lights" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an arrangement or exhibition of lights, often for decorative or celebratory purposes. Example: "The festival featured a stunning display of lights that illuminated the entire park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By John Cassidy June 5, 2012 If, like me, you've been guiltily following the Queen of England's Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the BBC Web site, you will have enjoyed Monday night's fireworks display at Buckingham Palace, a display of lights and sound the likes of which hasn't been seen in London since Hitler's bombers appeared overhead in September, 1940.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once the cast is in place, these shows unfold in a display of dazzling lights and special effects, but while impressive they're hardly worth the asking price if you're one of the people left sitting down, merely an observer of the action.

Vice

The group, standing before a display of handmade lighting fixtures designed by Eva Menz, agreed that one-of-a-kind items with a degree of craft were far preferable to production pieces.

The New York Times

At night the skyline in this city of 16 million is a dazzling display of lights that can easily remind visitors of Manhattan.

The New York Times

The Mirror Lake Inn (5 Mirror Lake Drive, 518-523-2544) beckons guests with a resplendent display of lights from its balconies overlooking the lake and with the warmth of afternoon tea and cookies served daily in the fireside lobby.

The New York Times - Travel

To accompany the attraction, the cave will be lit up by an incredible display of lights that morph the walls into surreal hues of purple, turquoise, green, and pink.

Vice

While dining we enjoyed a spectacular view of the Dubai Water Fountain Show, where every half hour an elaborate display of lights and water jets up to 500 ft. Ironically, Americans also designed the water show, the same team who created the show at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Huffington Post

Spinning lights on the Outdoor Observatory (floor 91) provided a display of sound and lights, but no fireworks were launched.

Wikipedia

Yes, a display of flashing red lights could make you think that the police are arriving, but according to Fred Maxik, a scientist who designed illumination to help astronauts sleep in space, the real reason that so many companies go blue is that it is energy efficient and therefore cheap.

The New Yorker

Amid a display of colorful flashing lights, their connection is successful, but what should feel like a small relief quickly turns to chills when he tells her what she needs to do at that very moment: "R-U-N".

Vice

Electroland will introduce another dramatic piece next month on the facade of a new building in downtown Los Angeles: a large-scale display of lights that respond to the movements of visitors in the lobby.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a display of lights" to vividly describe a planned or artistic arrangement of lights, often for festive, decorative, or communicative purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "a display of lights" when simply describing a well-lit area. Opt for more straightforward language like "well-lit" or "brightly illuminated" if the arrangement isn't the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a display of lights" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting an arrangement or presentation of lights. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by examples showcasing its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a display of lights" is a grammatically sound and common noun phrase used to describe an arrangement of lights, frequently for decorative or celebratory purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most often found in News & Media contexts, though also appears in Wiki and Science. When using this phrase, consider if a simpler description would suffice, and be sure to emphasize the planned or artistic nature of the arrangement. Alternatives such as "light exhibition" or "illumination spectacle" may offer a more nuanced description depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lights showcase

Similar to exhibition, but with a stronger emphasis on highlighting the lights themselves.

light exhibition

Focuses on the exhibition aspect, suitable when the lights are presented as a show.

light installation

Implies a more artistic or permanent arrangement of lights.

array of lights

Suggests a varied collection or arrangement of lights.

illumination spectacle

Highlights the spectacular nature of the lighting arrangement.

radiant spectacle

Highlights the radiant and visually impressive nature of the display.

brilliant illumination

Focuses on the brightness and clarity of the lighting.

lighting arrangement

Emphasizes the organization and design of the lights.

luminous presentation

Focuses on the presentation aspect and the luminosity of the lights.

festive lighting

Highlights the celebratory and joyful aspect of the lighting.

FAQs

How can I use "a display of lights" in a sentence?

You can use "a display of lights" to describe various scenarios, such as "The town square featured a beautiful "a display of lights" during the holiday season", or "The artist created an impressive "a display of lights" for the gallery exhibit."

What are some alternatives to "a display of lights"?

Alternatives include "light exhibition", "illumination spectacle", or "lighting arrangement", depending on the context.

Is "a display of lights" formal or informal?

"A display of lights" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

How does "a display of lights" differ from "a light show"?

"A display of lights" generally refers to a static or semi-static arrangement, while "a light show" implies a dynamic and often choreographed sequence of lights, sometimes synchronized with music.