a glimmer of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glimmer of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "a glimmer of" to describe faint hope or something that is hard to see. Example: Even in the darkest night, she saw a glimmer of hope.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A glimmer of gongkaihua?

The Economist

A glimmer of a smile.

Independent

That gives Cameron a glimmer of hope.

The Guardian

But there is a glimmer of hope.

Independent

Paris, however, offers a glimmer of hope.

Independent

A glimmer of hope, then, for Darfuris.

The Economist

Maybe even a glimmer of a conscience.

The New York Times - Arts

Not a glimmer of emotion.

The Guardian - Sport

There's always someone before you who had a glimmer of this and a glimmer of that.

University of California, Berkeley

Didn't they deserve a glimmer of gold?

The New Yorker

There is a glimmer of hope.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimmer of" to introduce a slight degree of optimism or possibility in otherwise bleak situations. This can add nuance and prevent overly pessimistic portrayals.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimmer of" when the situation shows substantial improvement or certainty. Overusing the phrase can undermine the actual progress being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimmer of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to introduce or qualify another noun, often "hope" or "light". It denotes a faint or initial indication of something positive or desirable. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimmer of" is a versatile phrase used to express a slight or faint indication of something positive, most commonly hope. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in News & Media and Academic sources showcases its applicability across diverse contexts. While alternatives such as "a ray of hope" or "a hint of" exist, "a glimmer of" uniquely conveys a subtle optimism that is invaluable in nuanced writing. Remember to avoid overstating the significance when employing this phrase to maintain accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ray of hope

Focuses more strongly on the positive aspect of hope compared to just a faint sign.

a hint of

Implies a subtle indication or suggestion, potentially less focused on hope.

a sign of

A more general term indicating an evidence or signal of something, not necessarily positive.

a spark of

Emphasizes a small but potentially energetic or promising beginning.

a trace of

Suggests a minimal amount or indication, often of something fading or disappearing.

a shade of

Implies a slight degree or aspect of something.

a touch of

Suggests a slight addition or influence.

a suspicion of

Indicates a feeling of doubt or mistrust, rather than hope.

a breath of fresh air

Indicates something new and revitalizing.

a silver lining

Highlights the positive aspect of a negative situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glimmer of" to describe a faint sign of hope or a slight indication of something positive, such as "Even after the devastating news, there was "a glimmer of hope" that things might improve".

What are some alternatives to "a glimmer of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a ray of hope", "a hint of", or "a sign of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a glimmer of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread across various types of content, from news articles to academic papers.

What's the difference between "a glimmer of hope" and "a ray of hope"?

"A glimmer of hope" suggests a faint or weak sign of hope, whereas "a ray of hope" implies a more distinct and positive indication of hope.