a flash of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flash of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or brief occurrence of something, often related to insight, emotion, or light. Example: "She experienced a flash of inspiration that led to her best work yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snap, a flash of light.

The New Yorker

A flash of inspiration.

The Guardian

A flash of lightning.

The New Yorker

There is a flash of braces.

The New York Times

IT WAS a flash of sporting brilliance.

The Economist

I felt a flash of guilt.

The New York Times

— in a flash of shock and awe".

The New Yorker

He even showed a flash of statesmanship.

The Economist

It was a flash of confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Offer a flash of flesh.

The Guardian

Then he had a flash of brilliance.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flash of" to add vividness and immediacy to your writing, especially when describing sudden emotions, insights, or visual phenomena. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative and descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a flash of" to describe minor or insignificant events. Reserve it for moments that genuinely stand out or have a significant impact within your narrative to maintain its evocative power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flash of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, describing a sudden, brief occurrence or sensation. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts to depict momentary experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flash of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a sudden, brief occurrence, sensation, or display. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in News & Media. While adaptable to various contexts, it's best suited for narrative and descriptive writing where vividness and immediacy are desired. To enhance your writing, consider related phrases like "a burst of" or "a glimpse of" for nuanced expression, and avoid overuse in insignificant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of

Emphasizes a sudden and energetic release or display.

a glimpse of

Highlights a brief or incomplete view or experience.

a surge of

Indicates a sudden and powerful rush or increase.

a wave of

Implies a spreading or enveloping sensation or occurrence.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle or indirect indication.

a spark of

Focuses on the initial or originating point of something.

a flicker of

Emphasizes an unsteady or intermittent appearance.

a fleeting moment of

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the experience.

a sudden burst of

Combines suddenness with a forceful release.

an instant of

Emphasizes the immediacy and brevity of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "a flash of" in a sentence?

You can use "a flash of" to describe a sudden occurrence or brief experience, such as "a flash of inspiration" or "a flash of anger". The phrase adds vividness and immediacy to the description.

What can I say instead of "a flash of"?

Alternatives include "a burst of", "a glimpse of", or "a surge of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a flash of light" or "flash of light"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a flash of light" is more common and natural in most contexts. "Flash of light" without the article can be used in more technical or descriptive contexts.

What's the difference between "a flash of inspiration" and "an idea"?

"A flash of inspiration" refers to a sudden, often unexpected, burst of insight or creative thought, while "an idea" is a more general term for any thought or suggestion. The former emphasizes the sudden and often transformative nature of the insight.