a slice of sky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slice of sky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a small portion of the sky, often evoking feelings of freedom or beauty. Example: "As she stood on the balcony, she took a deep breath and admired the slice of sky that peeked through the clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Over the ocean, where there is no radar to warn of impending collisions, safety rules require a plane to occupy a slice of sky 100 miles long and 1,000 feet thick, severely limiting traffic.

Forbes

Over the ocean, where there is no radar to warn of impending collisions, safety rules require a plane to occupy a slice of sky 160 kilometers long and 300 meters thick, severely limiting traffic.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they weren't thinking about it the way a real-estate agent might; rather, they wanted to comment on a system that assigns a dollar amount to a slice of sea and sky.

The New Yorker

Many buyers are willing to pay more for an apartment if it has a slice of the sky attached.

The New York Times

The glimmer of Lowell bell tower standing on its tip toes, its blue a concentrated slice of sky.

Huffington Post

It is an open slice of sky above the Hudson River that is heavily traveled by helicopters, seaplanes and private planes, all communicating on a single, voluntary radio channel.

The New York Times

Its limitations, once acknowledged, become as intriguing as its beauties, which are many: from the grand vegetative panorama that is "My Hills of Home," to the stream running like a slice of blue-white sky through "The Old Oaken Bucket," to the shrewdly goofy, witty human gatherings in "A Tramp on Christmas Day" and "A Country Wedding".

The New York Times - Arts

Our view of a slice of a blue sky or the moon disappeared.

Vice

In order to accomplish high magnification on the planets, Galileo had to settle for seeing a very small slice of sky — about half the diameter of a full Moon in the case of this telescope — making it correspondingly difficult to find anything in the sky.

The New York Times - Science

As the sun sinks low towards the tropical horizon, its light has to travel through a thick and humid slice of sky.

The Economist

The final product, which he calls "a dynamic time-lapse visualization of the sky for an entire year," shows the same slice of sky on different days in a single view.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slice of sky" to evoke a sense of limited perspective or a specific, framed view of the sky. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing where you want to create a vivid image.

Common error

Avoid using "a slice of sky" when you mean the entire sky or a vast expanse. The phrase implies a partial or limited view, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slice of sky" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It serves to describe a specific portion or view of the sky, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slice of sky" is a noun phrase used to describe a limited or framed view of the sky. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and evokes vivid imagery. While not overly common, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in News & Media and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a partial or specific view, rather than the entire sky. Consider alternatives such as "a segment of the heavens" or "a glimpse of the firmament" for nuanced variations. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A segment of the heavens

Emphasizes the vastness of the sky, portraying the phrase as a small piece of something immense.

A glimpse of the firmament

Suggests a brief or partial view of the sky, often implying a sense of wonder or beauty.

A patch of blue

Focuses on the color of the sky, highlighting a specific area or section.

A piece of the open sky

Highlights the sense of freedom and openness associated with viewing the sky.

A section of the atmosphere

Uses a more scientific term for the sky, referring to a specific portion of the air above.

A vista of the heavens

Suggests a wide and expansive view of the sky, often implying a panoramic perspective.

A frame of the sky

Conveys the idea of the sky being viewed through a window or other enclosed space.

A fragment of the sky

Emphasizes the broken or incomplete nature of the view, suggesting a sense of loss or longing.

A band of sky

Implies a long, narrow view of the sky, often seen at the horizon or through a narrow opening.

A share of the sky

Suggests a personal connection to the sky, implying a sense of ownership or belonging.

FAQs

How can I use "a slice of sky" in a sentence?

You can use "a slice of sky" to describe a limited or framed view of the sky, such as "From my window, I could see "a slice of sky" between the buildings" or "The small courtyard offered "a slice of sky" as a reminder of the world beyond".

What are some alternatives to "a slice of sky"?

Some alternatives include "a segment of the heavens", "a glimpse of the firmament", or "a patch of blue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a slice of sky" a common expression?

While not extremely common, "a slice of sky" is a recognized and evocative phrase used to describe a limited or specific view of the sky. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts, including literature and descriptive writing.

What does "a slice of sky" imply?

"A slice of sky" often implies a sense of limited freedom, beauty observed within constraints, or a specific framed view of the sky, distinct from an expansive panorama.