a glow of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glow of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft or gentle illumination, often evoking a sense of warmth or tranquility. Example: "As the sun began to set, a glow of light filled the room, casting long shadows on the walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This model boasts some really cool features such as Ambilight Spectra, which projects a glow of light around the sides of the television from the back of the screen on to the wall behind it, enlarging the screen and creating a more immersive, cinematic viewing experience.

Independent

Then, three years ago, riffling through a pile of books in a covered arcade in Paris, I found myself staring at the back of a woman in a simple black dress standing in a corner of a room with panelled doors on either side of her and a glow of light on the nape of her neck.

The Guardian - Arts

Opalescent glass is used to create a glow of light around the figure of Jesus.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At the same position, telescopes caught a glow of visible light which quickly faded away.

Harvard University

As the encounter goes through its faltering paces, matching the pained rhythms of Cate's stuttering speech, we are made subliminally aware of a bigger world outside, of a hum of crowds and traffic and a glow of tainted light.

The New York Times

Hubble has managed to track that field's behaviour by watching how it draws in and excites space particles, generating a glow of ultraviolet light around the satellite's north and south poles.

BBC

Gamma ray photons slamming into the atmosphere create a cascade of charged particles, which emit a faint glow of light, known as Cerenkov radiation, that carries clues about the energy and direction of the original gamma ray photon.

Science Magazine

"Serpent" begins with the men, dressed in knee-length tights, lying in a violet glow of light with their backs to the audience, legs in a fetal curl to their chests.

The New York Times - Arts

"From December until mid-January, this region is shrouded in darkness, except for a faint glow of light around midday".

Independent

"There's a nice glow of light without having spotlights or floodlights glaring in your eyes," Mr. Yale said.

The New York Times

The sun had dropped behind the bluffs already, so that the tops of the bare trees showed up finely spiky, like hair or fur, against a yellow glow of light from somewhere out of sight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glow of light" to evoke a sense of calm or subtle illumination, particularly when describing natural phenomena or ambient lighting in scenes.

Common error

Avoid using "a glow of light" when describing technical lighting specifications; instead, opt for terms like "luminescence", "illumination", or specific light measurements for precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glow of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in describing various forms of illumination, from natural phenomena to artificial lighting. The phrase serves to depict a soft or gentle emission of light.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glow of light" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a soft, gentle illumination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively uncommon, its primary usage is found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, lending itself to descriptive and evocative writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in technical scenarios where more precise terms are required. Consider alternatives like "a soft radiance" or "a faint glimmer" for varying degrees of emphasis on the light's intensity or quality. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, contributing to its overall versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a soft radiance

Replaces "glow" with "radiance" to emphasize the quality of emitting light, maintaining a similar gentle connotation.

a gentle luminescence

Substitutes "glow" with "luminescence", highlighting a subtle emission of light.

a faint glimmer

Focuses on the dim or weak aspect of the light emitted, using "glimmer" to suggest a subtle and unsteady glow.

a subtle sheen

Shifts from direct light emission to a surface reflection that appears luminous.

a muted brilliance

Contrasts the intensity of light with its subdued nature, suggesting a restrained but powerful light source.

a dim halo

Describes a circular band of soft light, altering the shape and focus of the illumination.

a delicate effulgence

Replaces "glow" with "effulgence" to express radiant splendor or brilliance.

a subdued illumination

Emphasizes the moderated or controlled aspect of the lighting.

a serene iridescence

Shifts the focus to a colorful, shimmering light effect, rather than a steady glow.

a warm cast

Indicates a light source characterized by its color and warmth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a glow of light" to describe a soft, gentle illumination, such as "The moon cast "a glow of light" over the sleeping town".

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

Alternatives include "a soft radiance", "a gentle luminescence", or "a faint glimmer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a glow of lights" instead of "a glow of light"?

While "a glow of lights" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less common. "A glow of light" is generally preferred to describe a diffused or general illumination, whereas "a glow of lights" might refer to multiple light sources contributing to the glow.

What's the difference between "a glow of light" and "a ray of light"?

"A glow of light" refers to a soft, diffused illumination, while "a ray of light" suggests a focused, direct beam. For instance, sunlight through a window is "a ray of light", but the ambient light in a softly lit room is "a glow of light".