a flash of anger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flash of anger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brief feeling of anger that someone experiences in a moment. Example: "She felt a flash of anger when she heard the unfair criticism directed at her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

We're losing.' " McCain showed a flash of anger.

The New Yorker

Nonsense, he explained with a flash of anger.

Independent

"Help how?" Pete asked with a flash of anger.

The New Yorker

The shooting provoked a flash of anger in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

"'Care' is a one-word oxymoron," he says, a flash of anger in his face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His wife spoke for him, a flash of anger interrupting her melancholy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Obama was especially sensitive to the fact that any flash of anger would fan the flames of old racial stereotypes.

Forbes

"The leadership of that company is not a leadership I will negotiate with," Mr. Spitzer said, showing a rare flash of anger.

The New York Times

I sensed a slight flash of anger as she said: "It's not even a footnote in the history of Iraq".

The Guardian

Caterina flushes a dull red and moves away with a hopeless sort of slowness, like a penned animal, and Orso, who is a warmhearted, impulsive man, feels an unexpected flash of anger.

The New Yorker

The protest movement that exploded into Iran's streets in June was not a momentary flash of anger.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "a flash of anger" to add realism to a character's emotional response in a specific moment.

Common error

Avoid using "a flash of anger" to describe a sustained state of anger. This phrase denotes a brief, momentary feeling. Use phrases like "a period of anger" or "sustained anger" to describe longer durations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flash of anger" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a sudden, brief instance of feeling angry, often in reaction to something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a flash of anger" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a sudden, brief feeling of anger. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly used in news and media, it captures the transient nature of the emotion, often highlighting a quick reaction or momentary lapse in composure. While various alternatives like "a burst of anger" or "a surge of anger" exist, "a flash of anger" provides a clear and concise way to portray this specific emotional experience. Remember to use this phrase to describe brief moments of anger, and avoid it when referring to prolonged anger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of anger

Emphasizes the sudden and explosive nature of the anger.

a surge of anger

Highlights the rapid increase in the feeling of anger.

a flare of anger

Similar to flash but suggesting a brief outburst.

a fit of anger

Suggests a temporary loss of control due to anger.

an outburst of anger

Emphasizes the uncontrolled release of anger.

a wave of anger

Implies a gradual build-up and release of anger.

a moment of rage

Focuses on a brief period of intense anger.

a hint of anger

Implies a subtle or restrained expression of anger.

a spark of anger

Highlights the initial trigger or cause of anger.

a flicker of anger

Suggests a fleeting and barely noticeable feeling of anger.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flash of anger" to describe a brief, intense feeling of anger. For example, "He felt "a flash of anger" when he realized he had been cheated."

What phrases are similar to "a flash of anger"?

Alternatives include "a burst of anger", "a surge of anger", or "a fit of anger", which all describe a sudden and intense feeling of anger.

Is it appropriate to use "a flash of anger" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flash of anger" is appropriate for use in formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in news media and other reputable sources.

What's the difference between "a flash of anger" and "sustained anger"?

"A flash of anger" describes a momentary feeling, while "sustained anger" implies anger that lasts for an extended period. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the duration of the anger you're describing.