a patch of blue sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of blue sky" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, clear or bright area of sky in an otherwise cloudy or stormy sky. For example, "After the rain had passed, I was able to enjoy the beauty of a patch of blue sky".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is as if he painted a patch of blue sky for the imprisoned".

The New York Times - Books

In his hand was a fragment of my mother's head with a patch of blue sky behind her.

The New Yorker

It is also a magical, Watteauvian place, where a patch of blue sky descends to caress the hem of a dress.

The New York Times - Arts

The first, "On the Threshold of Liberty," is a mini-museum of Magritte motifs — a patch of blue sky, a building facade, a woman's torso, etc. — depicted as paintings hung on the walls of a high-ceiling room that also holds a World War I cannon poised to fire.

The New York Times - Arts

Financial analysts see a patch of blue sky should car sales recover.

Forbes

One wintry afternoon last month, I was strolling through a forest with a philosopher friend when she stopped dead in her tracks, all of a sudden, staring up through the trees at a patch of blue sky.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It works even when you have only a tiny patch of blue sky.

The New York Times - Science

(1987) and Jon Atack's A Piece of Blue Sky (1990).

Wikipedia

An occasional patch of blue sky could be seen.

The New Yorker

One Post to Nine Rustic Shelves via Hometalker My Patch of Blue Sky.

Huffington Post

Laid over the photo, filling a patch of gloomy sky, is a text describing a very different scene: a Pacific idyll of blue waters and lush vegetation.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of blue sky" to add a touch of hope or serenity to a description, particularly when contrasting it with less favorable conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a patch of blue sky" in every description of a slightly improving situation. Vary your language to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of blue sky" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it used to describe literal views of the sky or metaphorical glimmers of hope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Books

12%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a patch of blue sky" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, commonly used to describe a small area of clear sky or to symbolize hope and clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally well-received, used across various contexts, with a high occurrence in News & Media and Science sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing this cliché and to consider related phrases like "a piece of blue sky" or "a glimpse of blue sky" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "piece", suggesting a fragment or portion of the blue sky.

a bit of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "bit", indicating a small amount of blue sky.

a patch of clear sky

Replaces "blue" with "clear", emphasizing the visibility of the sky.

a shot of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "shot", implying a glimpse or burst of blue sky.

a scrap of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "scrap", suggesting a small, remnant piece of blue sky.

a lot of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "lot", indicating a significant amount of blue sky.

a vision of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "vision", suggesting a broader view of the blue sky.

a sketch of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "sketch", implying the depiction of blue sky in a quick drawing.

a vault of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "vault", suggesting a large, overarching expanse of blue sky.

a preponderance of blue sky

Replaces "patch" with "preponderance", suggesting a dominant presence of blue sky.

FAQs

How can I use "a patch of blue sky" in a sentence?

You can use "a patch of blue sky" to describe a small area of clear, blue sky amidst clouds, or to symbolize a moment of hope in a difficult situation. For example, "After the storm, we saw "a patch of blue sky" peeking through the clouds."

What can I say instead of "a patch of blue sky"?

You can use alternatives like "a piece of blue sky", "a glimpse of blue sky", or "a bit of blue sky" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "patches of blue sky" instead of "a patch of blue sky"?

Yes, "patches of blue sky" is also correct. It refers to multiple areas of blue sky, while "a patch of blue sky" refers to a single area.

What does "a patch of blue sky" symbolize?

Symbolically, "a patch of blue sky" often represents hope, clarity, or a positive change emerging from a difficult or uncertain situation.