a flash of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a flash of light' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a momentary burst of light, usually brief and sudden. For example, "She saw a flash of light in the night sky before the meteorite disappeared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One culminates in a golden hand that meets another hand in a flash of light.

The New York Times - Arts

I remember a flash of light coming out of the phone.

The New Yorker

"Saw a flash of light and woke my fiancé up," Ms. Lemus said.

The New York Times

There is a flash of light as it snaps my hands back.

The Guardian

"Whenever you stop the camera, you get a flash of light.

The New Yorker

On the famously abrupt final chord, he's aloft in a flash of light.

The New York Times - Arts

Then we saw a flash of light, and after it came a really loud sound.

The New York Times

I then illuminated the scene with a flash of light for less than a second.

The New York Times

FREDERIC SCHWARTZ flinched at a flash of light outside the window of his architecture studio in SoHo.

The New York Times

The pilot saw a flash of light on the left side of the plane during the attack.

The Guardian

(Most of the sensors I tried emitted a beep or a flash of light when they were ready to use).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flash of light" to vividly describe a sudden, brief burst of light, whether literal (like a camera flash) or figurative (like a sudden realization).

Common error

Avoid using "a flash of light" metaphorically in every situation. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Sometimes, a more straightforward description is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a flash of light" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing a sudden burst of illumination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flash of light" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, functioning descriptively to denote a sudden burst of light in both literal and figurative senses. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequent appearance in news, media, and scientific contexts showcases its versatility. While generally neutral in register, consider the context when selecting it over alternatives like "a sudden burst of light" or "a gleam of light". Avoid overuse to maintain its impact. The phrase is valuable for crafting vivid imagery across diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden burst of light

Emphasizes the abruptness and intensity of the light, replacing 'flash' with synonyms.

a burst of illumination

Replaces the figurative 'flash' with a more literal term for light.

a surge of light

Emphasizes the powerful and sudden nature of the light.

a blaze of light

Indicates a much stronger and more intense light.

a gleam of light

Suggests a softer, less intense light than a 'flash'.

a flicker of light

Implies an unsteady or wavering light, unlike the more instantaneous 'flash'.

a spark of light

Suggests a tiny, brief light.

a shimmer of light

Implies a gentle, reflective light.

a beam of light

Refers to a focused and directed light.

a ray of light

Similar to a 'beam' but can also imply hope or guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flash of light" to describe a sudden burst of light, as in, "The photographer used a flash of light to capture the moment", or figuratively to describe a sudden realization.

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

You can use alternatives like "a sudden burst of light", "a gleam of light", or "a burst of illumination" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a flash of light"?

The phrase "a flash of light" is generally correct. However, ensure the context warrants a sudden, brief burst of light. If the light is continuous, another description would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a flash of light" and "a beam of light"?

"A flash of light" implies a sudden, brief burst, while "a beam of light" suggests a focused, continuous stream of light.