a row of lights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a row of lights" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of lights arranged in a straight line, often seen in decorations, signage, or lighting designs. Example: "The street was beautifully illuminated with a row of lights that twinkled in the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Footlights -- a row of lights along the front of a stage -- are so common that the word often refers to the theatrical field.

The New York Times - Magazine

The conventions remained the same: footlights (a row of lights across the front of the stage floor), borderlights (a long horizontal row of lights used for the general lighting of the stage from above), and striplights (a row of lights usually mounted in a trough reflector and placed in the wings to illuminate specific portions of the stage or setting).

Encyclopedia Britannica

One design has a row of lights, like giant birthday candles, that appear to lead across the Hudson toward New York City.

The New York Times

Jacquelyn Scafidi, Ha-Chi Yu, andrea EMs.ns and Ms. Tuthill enter against a row of lights hanging halfway down a backdrop.

The New York Times - Arts

Below the power control is a row of lights for displaying ten decimal digits and a sign, ten columns 7 lights each for ten digits, plus 2 lights for the sign.

Columbia University

A bothersome aspect of the production was the way Robert Wierzel, the lighting designer, often kept beaming a row of lights directly into the eyes of the audience, making it difficult, and even painful, to watch "Just Watch!" JACK ANDERSON.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Think of a table with a row of light bulbs, each with its own dimmer switch, Foresti said.

The Washington Post

An extension of the painting is a row of light papier-mâché balls suspended from the ceiling on nylon string, hovering just above the floor.

The New York Times - Arts

But the restoration has returned the temple to the way it was in 1907, when electricity was installed, and a row of light bulbs was used to edge a panel displaying the Ten Commandments, in the style of a marquee.

The New Yorker

It contains a lamp that shines upward to illuminate the print, as well as mirrors and optics that ultimately direct images to a row of light-sensitive charge-coupled devices, or C.C.D.'s, deep in the heart of the moving box.

The New York Times - Tech

The sensor has a chip-scale spectrophotometer parallel to a row of light sources spaced at different distances (6 mm to 45 mm) from the spectrometer.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a row of lights" in descriptive writing, consider the specific type of lights (e.g., LED, fluorescent, incandescent) to enhance the imagery and provide a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a row of lights" without providing context or detail. Instead, specify the function or purpose of the lights to make your writing more engaging and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a row of lights" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It identifies and describes a specific arrangement of lights. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is frequently used to paint a picture of a scene or object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a row of lights" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe a linear arrangement of light sources. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science-related contexts, serving a descriptive function and maintaining a neutral register. While versatile, its impact can be enhanced by specifying the nature and purpose of the lights being described. Alternatives such as "a line of lights" or "a string of lights" offer nuanced variations to suit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a string of lights

Emphasizes the connection of the lights in a sequence.

a line of lights

Highlights the linear arrangement of the lights.

a series of lights

Focuses on the sequential nature of the lights.

a bank of lights

Suggests a group or collection of lights, possibly for illumination.

a set of lights

Indicates a group intended for a specific use.

a display of lights

Emphasizes the visual presentation of the lights.

an array of lights

Implies a structured arrangement of lights.

a belt of lights

Suggests a continuous line or band of lights.

a chain of lights

Highlights the interconnectedness of the lights.

a rank of lights

Emphasizes the orderly arrangement of lights, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a row of lights" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a row of lights", provide context by describing the type of lights, their purpose, and the overall effect they create. For example, "The stage was illuminated by "a string of lights", casting a warm glow on the performers".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a row of lights"?

Alternatives include "a line of lights", "a series of lights", or "a string of lights". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of lights being described.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a row of lights"?

The phrase "a row of lights" is appropriate in various contexts, including describing stage lighting, architectural features, decorative lighting, or technological displays. It's generally suitable for any situation where lights are arranged linearly.

Is there a difference between "a row of lights" and ""a string of lights""?

While both phrases describe a linear arrangement of lights, ""a string of lights"" typically implies that the lights are connected by a wire or cord, often used for decorative purposes. "A row of lights" is more general and can refer to any linear arrangement, whether connected or not.