a streak of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a streak of light' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a beam or ray of light, such as sunbeams, a flash of lightning, etc. For example, "As he looked out across the lake, he was met with a dazzling display of streaks of light reflecting on its surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The sun was above the horizon, and a streak of light was shining on my face.

The New Yorker

Up he came like a streak of light, like a... PUNTERS: Aren't you going to say his name?

The Guardian - Sport

On the horizon a streak of light, and above it immensely large dark grey clouds, from which one could see the rain coming down in slanting streaks.

The Guardian

But the wall text clears up the matter: Ms. Burson says that when a streak of light appears in such a picture, "it's energy," presumably the healing kind.

The New York Times - Arts

Tuesday, Eastern time — when the rocket ship built by his company, SpaceX, lifted off gracefully in a nighttime launching and arced off in a streak of light amid loud applause.

The New York Times - Science

The design of the 45-story Westin hotel, by Arquitectonica, an architectural firm in Miami, is supposed to suggest that its two towers are being split apart by a streak of light arching up its facade.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Cafe Tacuba, one of the cornerstones of Latin alternative rock, is a smart, cosmopolitan band with a streak of light-hearted surrealism.

The New York Times

For example, the word beaiveluosttat signifies "reindeer with a streak of lighter hair along the side with thicker, more even hair than on the rest of its body, this streak only appearing in the reindeer's third year", while liidneoaivi means "a reindeer with a white head, but not one whose body is spotted".

The Guardian - Books

• The ads begin with a DHL van dissolving into a streak of yellow light that speeds around the globe then lights up the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks.

The New York Times

He pointed out a streak of northern light, though all I saw was something that looked like a very slightly lighter cloud than the rest.

The Guardian - Travel

The rain clouds were rolling down like a shutter, and while he watched, a streak of orange light on the horizon became brilliant.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a streak of light" when describing a linear or elongated appearance of light, such as the path of a meteor or a ray shining through a narrow opening.

Common error

Avoid using "a streak of light" too liberally in metaphorical contexts where other expressions might provide greater clarity or precision. Ensure the image of a literal streak of light meaningfully enhances the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a streak of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visual phenomenon related to light, as supported by Ludwig and various examples of its use in describing physical events such as meteors or sunbeams.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a streak of light" is a noun phrase used to depict a visual occurrence, typically a ray of light, that appears in a linear fashion. As Ludwig shows, it accurately portrays everything from natural events like meteors to designed effects in architecture. Its applications span across multiple registers; however, is more commonly observed in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. Though Ludwig AI validates its grammatical accuracy and usability, writers should be mindful not to overuse it in metaphorical contexts where other options could be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a ray of light

Focuses on a single beam of light, implying a more direct and concentrated source than "a streak of light".

a beam of light

Similar to "a ray of light", but often suggests a broader and more defined shaft of light.

a flash of light

Emphasizes the sudden and brief nature of the light, unlike the sustained impression of "a streak of light".

a glimmer of light

Suggests a faint and wavering light, differing in intensity from the clearer "a streak of light".

a shaft of light

Implies a long, narrow, and well-defined column of light, emphasizing its shape more than "a streak of light".

a stream of light

Presents light as a flowing entity, suggesting movement and continuity, which might not be conveyed by "a streak of light".

a burst of light

Similar to 'flash of light' but it is more sudden, energetic, and explosive appearance of light.

a blaze of light

Suggests an intense and overwhelming display of light, in contrast to the simpler description of "a streak of light".

a flood of light

Indicates a widespread and abundant illumination, different from the linear imagery evoked by "a streak of light".

a band of light

Suggests a broad, flat area of light, emphasizing the shape in a way that "a streak of light" does not.

FAQs

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

You can use "a streak of light" to describe phenomena like a meteor trail, sunlight filtering through clouds, or an artificial light source. For example, "A streak of light flashed across the night sky".

What's the difference between "a streak of light" and "a ray of light"?

"A streak of light" often suggests a fast-moving or transient light event, while "a ray of light" generally refers to a steady, focused beam.

What can I say instead of "a streak of light" to describe something sudden?

For sudden light events, consider using alternatives like "a flash of light" or "a burst of light" depending on the intensity and duration you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a streak of light" in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "a streak of light" can be used both literally, to describe actual light, and figuratively, to represent hope or insight, but ensure the figurative use is clear and relevant to the context.