a kind of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kind of light" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific type or quality of light, often in a metaphorical or descriptive context. Example: "The room was filled with a kind of light that made everything appear more vibrant and alive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The darkness was a kind of light.

The New York Times - Magazine

The title was meant, she replied, as a kind of light counterweight to public perception.

The New York Times

Is there a kind of light that you think looks best on women?

The New York Times

A kind of light Asperger's syndrome – very literal minded, doesn't quite see the big picture.

MIT Technology Review

And once in a while, you'd see that happen, you'd see a kind of light come on behind their eyes.

The Guardian - Books

When you use your peripheral vision you go into a kind of light trance, the zone state.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

You are still a regular backpacker possibly climbing Everest but if you're lucky you could be considered a Kind-Of-Light Backpacker.

WikiHow

In this paper, experimental evidence of large complete bandgaps in a kind of light-weighted zig-zag lattice structure (ZLS) is presented.

Ultrasonics

As for Mr. Ng, he sees his work as "a kind of light-touch intervention" in a city where some things have remained largely unchanged for a century.

The New York Times - Arts

A good horror movie should derange at least a couple of them, and the result is often a kind of light-headedness, a weird giddiness.

The New York Times

Then there's Black and White Publishing's "F**k Up This Book... and not your life", which encourages its readers to fill its pages with doodles, lists and photographs as a kind of light-hearted remedy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a kind of light" to add a descriptive or metaphorical layer to your writing, particularly when describing abstract concepts or feelings. For example, "Hope shone in her eyes, a kind of light that banished all doubt."

Common error

Avoid using "a kind of light" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terminology is expected. Instead of saying "X-rays are a kind of light", specify that they are a form of electromagnetic radiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a specific quality or type of light, often in a metaphorical or descriptive context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a kind of light" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the specific quality or nature of light, often in a descriptive or metaphorical sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, including news articles, scientific papers, and literary works. Its neutral register and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for writers seeking to add vivid detail and imagery to their writing. While alternatives like "a certain illumination" or "a unique glow" exist, "a kind of light" remains a widely recognized and effective way to evoke specific qualities or characteristics associated with light.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain illumination

Changes the focus from a general 'kind' to a more definite or specific illumination.

a specific radiance

Replaces 'light' with 'radiance' to suggest a brighter, more intense form of light.

a unique glow

Substitutes 'light' with 'glow', implying a soft, diffused light.

a particular gleam

Uses 'gleam' instead of 'light', indicating a bright, reflected light.

a type of brightness

Emphasizes the intensity of the light by using the word "brightness".

an unusual luminescence

Replaces 'light' with 'luminescence' for a more technical or scientific tone.

a peculiar shine

Uses "shine" instead of "light", which can imply a smoother, reflected light.

a distinct illumination

Similar to "a certain illumination" but emphasizes the separateness or clarity of the light.

a special glimmer

Suggests a faint, often wavering light by using the term "glimmer".

a form of radiance

Emphasizes the energetic quality of light, using the word "radiance".

FAQs

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

You can use "a kind of light" to describe a specific quality or type of light, often metaphorically. For example, "His smile radiated "a kind of light" that warmed everyone around him."

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a certain illumination", "a unique glow", or "a specific radiance" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "a kind of light" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to describe a light quality in a descriptive or metaphorical way, such as in creative writing or when discussing abstract concepts. Avoid it in technical contexts where precision is key.

Is "a kind of light" formal or informal?

"A kind of light" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or creative writing than in highly technical or formal reports.