a sheet of sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheet of sun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bright, warm area illuminated by sunlight, often evoking imagery of light and warmth. Example: "As I stepped outside, I was greeted by a sheet of sun that warmed my skin and brightened my mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seemed a sheet of sun.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

My eyes smart from even looking at the yard, which is a clear sheet of sun, almost incandescent.

The New Yorker

As we sipped the fruity Barnett pinot noir from the nearby Santa Lucia Highlands, the ocean far below rippled in the setting sun like a sheet of honey-slathered gold leaf.

The New York Times

What convinced the judges, he said, was the group's work, based on the existing concept of solar or laser "sails". These sails are giant, flat sheets of very thin, reflective material – 40 to 100 times thinner than a sheet of paper – that use photons from sun or laser light for energy.

Cornell University

On 24 November 1639, Horrocks watched as the planet traversed the sun after projecting its image on to a sheet of paper through a small telescope.

The Guardian

A sheet of paper?

Stanford University

She shook out a sheet of paper.

The New Yorker

(Use a sheet of Bounce fabric softener).

The New York Times - Books

(Cooper hands Preminger a sheet of paper).

The New Yorker

She tore off a sheet of paper.

Huffington Post

She pulled out a sheet of paper.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sheet of sun" to vividly describe a scene where sunlight dominates, creating a powerful visual impact. Consider the emotional effect of such intense light when choosing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a sheet of sun" in contexts where the light is not particularly intense or overwhelming. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheet of sun" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a descriptive element within a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is valid and serves to vividly portray an expansive and intense area illuminated by sunlight.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sheet of sun" is a grammatically correct and evocative noun phrase used to describe intense, widespread sunlight. As Ludwig highlights, its purpose is to create a vivid image of brightness and warmth. While not a common expression, it is appropriate for descriptive writing, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys the power and impact of sunlight, making it a useful tool for writers seeking to add depth and imagery to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an expanse of sunlight

Replaces 'sheet' with 'expanse', focusing on the extensive nature of the sunlight.

a blaze of sunshine

Substitutes 'sheet' with 'blaze', emphasizing the intensity and brilliance of the sun.

a flood of sunlight

Replaces 'sheet' with 'flood', highlighting the overflowing and abundant quality of the light.

an ocean of light

Uses 'ocean' as a metaphor to describe the vastness and immersive quality of the sunlight.

a wash of sun

Emphasizes the immersive and enveloping nature of the sunlight.

a broad beam of sunlight

Focuses on the width and directionality of the sunlight.

a swathe of sunshine

Highlights the wide and encompassing effect of the sunlight.

a field of light

Implies a vast, open area filled with sunlight.

a curtain of sunlight

Evokes an image of light descending or draping like a curtain.

a patch of sun

Suggests a smaller, more localized area of sunlight.

FAQs

How can "a sheet of sun" be used in a sentence?

"A sheet of sun" is typically used to describe a scene where sunlight is intense and widespread, such as, "The desert landscape was bathed in "a sheet of sun", making it difficult to see clearly."

What are some alternatives to "a sheet of sun"?

Instead of "a sheet of sun", you could use phrases like "an expanse of sunlight", "a blaze of sunshine", or "a flood of sunlight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sheet of sun" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and evocative, "a sheet of sun" isn't as common as other expressions like "sunlight" or "sunshine". Its usage is more descriptive and less frequent in everyday conversation.

What feeling does "a sheet of sun" evoke?

The phrase "a sheet of sun" typically evokes a feeling of intense warmth, brightness, and even potential discomfort or harshness due to the sun's intensity. It's often used to create a vivid and somewhat dramatic image in the reader's mind.