a flash of colour

USAGE SUMMARY

"a flash of colour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden burst or brief appearance of vivid color. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe a sudden and intense feeling or emotion. Example: As she walked through the bustling marketplace, she caught a flash of color out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head, she saw a beautiful array of vibrant flowers, their petals shining in the sunlight. The sight brought a flash of joy to her heart, and she couldn't resist buying a bouquet to brighten up her home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A flash of colour through the trees caught his attention: red spots on a white background.

Independent

Winston Churchill described the wedding as "a flash of colour on the hard road we have to travel".

Independent

She stands out, for braininess and for bringing a flash of colour to the dark-suited scrums.

The Economist

In the village there's a flash of colour as a red car – Rolls Royce, I think – blasts rudely through, en route to the big house.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Modesty in all things was required, especially for girls, and a flash of colour on the skin was a desecration of a holy vessel made in God's image.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A flash of colour among the dreary scene, it briefly lifts the spirits before getting caught up in the dust, doomed to fade and fester.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Lyrically, the album discusses negative aspects of religion and society, and is seen as a "companion piece" to Enter Shikari's A Flash Flood of Colour.

Wikipedia

It's not an easy decision: good rugs aren't cheap, and wrong rugs can ruin a room in a flash of clashing colour, discordant shape or impractical finish.

Independent

When a girl from the local Opéra came to dance for him, he captured her movement as a flash of swirling colour like the flick of a fan in Creole Dancer.

The Guardian - Arts

She's already forgotten about the man with the ridiculous hair, whom you took to be just another passerby, a flash of local colour distracting you from your quest to find the people you came here to meet.

The Guardian - Books

He mainly manages to keep his mouth shut throughout chewing, though every now and then his tongue will flick the mush around the inside of his gob, a flash of mulchy colour will shock you into epilepsy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "a flash of colour" metaphorically to describe something that brings a moment of excitement or vibrancy to an otherwise dull or monotonous situation. For example, "Her witty remarks were a flash of colour in the otherwise dull meeting."

Common error

While "a flash of colour" is effective, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "burst of color" or "splash of colour" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flash of colour" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it describes a sudden, noticeable instance of color, often used to create vivid imagery. Its grammatical correctness is confirmed, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flash of colour" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a sudden and striking appearance of color. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, where it adds vividness and detail to descriptions. While synonyms like "burst of color" or "splash of colour" exist, each carries its own slightly different connotation. When using "a flash of colour", remember to use it to create a strong visual impact and avoid overuse to maintain freshness in your writing. The phrase, while simple, brings with it the potential for depth and nuance, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of color

Emphasizes the sudden and energetic appearance of color, similar to "a flash of colour" but with a stronger sense of energy.

a sudden burst of vibrancy

Highlights the energetic and lively quality of the appearance, akin to "a flash of colour" but emphasizing its liveliness.

a splash of color

Implies a broader, less fleeting instance of color than "a flash of colour", suggesting a more substantial area covered.

a touch of color

Indicates a smaller, more subtle amount of color compared to "a flash of colour".

a vibrant accent

Points to color being used as an emphasis or highlight, whereas "a flash of colour" can be more general.

a dash of color

Suggests a small, quick addition of color, implying less intensity compared to "a flash of colour".

a streak of color

Suggests a linear or directional element to the color, unlike the more general "a flash of colour".

a colorful highlight

Implies the color serves as an important or noticeable feature, whereas "a flash of colour" simply notes its presence.

a bright spot

Emphasizes the visual impact and contrast created by the color, less specific to color than "a flash of colour".

a vibrant hue

Focuses on the intensity and richness of the color itself, while "a flash of colour" highlights its sudden appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flash of colour" to describe a sudden, noticeable instance of color, such as "A red cardinal provided "a flash of colour" against the winter snow".

What are some alternatives to "a flash of colour"?

Alternatives include "a burst of color", "a splash of color", or "a touch of color", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a flash of color" or "a flash of colour" correct?

"A flash of colour" is the British English spelling, while "a flash of color" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, depending on your audience and context.

When is it appropriate to use "a flash of colour" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "a flash of colour" metaphorically when describing something that brings a sudden moment of excitement, vibrancy, or interest to an otherwise dull or monotonous situation, such as "Her humor was "a flash of colour" in the otherwise serious debate".