a flash of joy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flash of joy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brief moment of happiness or delight. Example: "When she saw her old friend after many years, there was a flash of joy in her eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But I remember that on that day there was also a flash of joy inside me that made me ashamed.

The New Yorker

I couldn't help feeling a flash of joy, knowing how happy he must be, how confident and eager for the next round.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a voice that forced you to listen lest you miss a joke, a gibe or a flash of joy.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So one would imagine that Clarke felt a brief flash of joy when he got a call from a journalist at his country home in Virginia to tell him Bin Laden had been killed in his Pakistani hideaway.

The Guardian

It's a reflex that makes her reach out for the song; as she chokes out a few bars, somehow through the cracks in her voice seeps a brief flash of joy.

The New York Times

It's part of the joy of them: the single, weird opinion that reveals a flash of humanity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Snap, a flash of light.

The New Yorker

A flash of inspiration.

The Guardian

A flash of lightning.

The New Yorker

IT WAS a flash of sporting brilliance.

The Economist

There is a flash of braces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flash of joy" to vividly describe a sudden, brief moment of happiness or delight, often in contrast to an otherwise serious or somber situation. It is most effective when emphasizing the unexpected and transient nature of the emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "a flash of joy" repeatedly within a short span of text. Overuse can dilute its impact and make the writing seem repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flash of joy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, referring to a sudden, brief experience of happiness. Examples show it used to describe fleeting emotions or unexpected positive moments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flash of joy" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden and brief moment of happiness. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a transient burst of positive emotion, and, though infrequent, its use is appropriate. When employing this phrase, remember to use it sparingly to maintain its impact and consider alternatives like "a moment of elation" or "a surge of happiness" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fleeting moment of happiness

Directly indicates the transient nature of the joyful feeling.

a spark of delight

Focuses on the initial, small burst of joy, like a spark igniting a flame.

a surge of happiness

Suggests a sudden and powerful wave of positive emotion, possibly stronger than a "flash".

a quick burst of joyfulness

Emphasizes the rapid onset and energetic quality of the happiness.

a sudden wave of delight

Implies a more overwhelming and encompassing feeling compared to a simple "flash".

a moment of elation

Emphasizes a more intense and potentially longer-lasting feeling of happiness compared to a fleeting flash.

a small thrill of joy

Implies a mild and contained excitement or happiness.

a brief glimmer of pleasure

Highlights the short duration and subtle nature of the positive sensation.

a fleeting sense of pleasure

Highlights the impermanent and sensory aspect of the positive experience.

a hint of happiness

Describes a very subtle and understated expression of joy.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flash of joy" to describe a sudden, brief moment of happiness, such as, "Despite the somber occasion, "a flash of joy" crossed her face when she saw her old friend".

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

Alternatives include "a moment of elation", "a surge of happiness", or "a spark of delight". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a flash of joy" or "a moment of joy"?

"A flash of joy" implies a very brief, sudden feeling, while "a moment of joy" suggests a slightly longer, more sustained experience. The choice depends on the intended duration and intensity of the happiness.

Can "a flash of joy" describe something other than a personal emotion?

While primarily used to describe a personal emotion, "a flash of joy" can metaphorically describe a sudden, positive event or occurrence that brings happiness. For example, "The team's victory was "a flash of joy" for the entire city".