a glimmer of light

USAGE SUMMARY

"a glimmer of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small or faint amount of light, often in a dark or dimly lit environment. Here is an example sentence: As I stumbled through the dark forest, I caught a glimmer of light in the distance, giving me hope that I was nearing the edge of the woods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet there is now a glimmer of light.

The Economist

He is not alone in seeing a glimmer of light.

The New York Times

Afterward, he added, "I do see a glimmer of light".

The New York Times

Perhaps it was foolish to hope for even a glimmer of light.

The New York Times

But Melly Still finds a glimmer of light in the eternal darkness.

Independent

Aston Villa, meanwhile, need a glimmer of light to cling to in their own predicament.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, Mr. Tonnessen sees a glimmer of light in the darkness.

The New York Times

In the distance, I could see more buildings, cobblestone pathways and a glimmer of light from the lake.

The New York Times - Travel

"The feasibility study reveals a glimmer of light showing that we might be able to fix this problem," he said.

Independent

For Arsène Wenger, the eternal optimist of Arsenal, a season of despair has a glimmer of light.

The New York Times - Sports

Occasionally we pass a village set amid the trees, hidden but for a glimmer of light from a cooking fire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimmer of light" to introduce a slightly positive element in an otherwise negative or bleak situation. This can create a sense of hope or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of "a glimmer of light". It represents a small, initial sign of hope, not a complete resolution. Ensure the context reflects this limited scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimmer of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It signifies a faint or initial sign of hope or improvement, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimmer of light" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a faint or initial sign of hope in an otherwise negative situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media contexts. While the phrase offers encouragement, it is important not to overstate its impact, recognizing that it represents only a small degree of improvement. Alternative phrases like ""a ray of hope"" or ""a sign of hope"" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ray of hope

Focuses on the hopeful aspect, suggesting a source of optimism.

a sign of hope

Emphasizes that something indicates a possibility of improvement.

a spark of hope

Highlights a small, nascent feeling or reason for optimism.

a flicker of hope

Implies a wavering or unsteady sense of optimism.

a hint of positivity

Focuses on a small degree of optimism being present.

a small sign of progress

Highlights minor advancements in a situation.

a silver lining

Refers to a positive aspect of a negative situation.

a breakthrough

Emphasizes sudden discovery.

an upturn

Highlights the changing of a negative situation into a positive one.

the beginning of the end

Signals the start of the conclusion of a struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glimmer of light" to describe a faint sign of hope or improvement in a negative situation. For example, "Despite the company's financial struggles, the new product launch offered "a glimmer of light"".

What are some alternatives to "a glimmer of light"?

Some alternatives include "a ray of hope", "a sign of hope", or "a spark of hope". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a glimmer of light" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or challenging situations where a small degree of optimism exists. Its use is widespread in "news and media" outlets.

What's the difference between "a glimmer of light" and "the light at the end of the tunnel"?

"A glimmer of light" suggests an initial, small sign of hope, whereas "the light at the end of the tunnel" implies that the end of a difficult period is near. The former is less certain and more subtle than the latter.