a stream of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stream of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous flow or beam of light, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun began to set, a stream of light poured through the trees, illuminating the forest floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Then we could hear tape ripping, and a stream of light poured into the space.

The New York Times - Arts

When Hurricane Ivan headed towards the Cayman Islands in 2004, it sent a stream of light aircraft racing to Miami.

The Guardian - Business

Laser printers work by shooting a stream of light that gives a charge to the surface of a rotating drum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The signal is then transmitted over a long length of fibre as a stream of light pulses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The object to the south was visible for two or three hours and beamed down a stream of light from time to time.

The New York Times

DLP creates a picture on the screen by sending a stream of light from a high-powered light bulb through a prism.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Light! more light! for Death is weaving Shadows 'round my waning sight, And I fain would gaze upon him Through a stream of earthly light".

The New York Times

Created for Red Bull's photography competition Illume, three professional wakeboarders Dallas Friday, Adam Errington, and Mike Dowdy rode with LED-encrusted boards, painting a stream of colorful light into the photos.

Vice

Of course, as many liked to believe with most 70s rock albums, it can be 'played' backwards as well - to be seen as the recomposition of the spectrum back into a stream of white light.

Huffington Post

To illustrate this two step process, Appendices A and B present an example of a simple stream of light values, accessed over HTTP streaming and Web hooks.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

He spends his time reading law books and a dogeared copy of the Peruvian Constitution under a single naked light bulb and a thin stream of light from a tiny skylight, according to senior law enforcement officials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stream of light", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended imagery. For instance, use it to describe continuous flows, like light through a window, rather than brief flashes.

Common error

Avoid using "a stream of light" to describe general or diffuse illumination. It's more appropriate for directional, focused light rather than ambient lighting. Use terms like "brightness" or "illumination" instead for overall light levels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stream of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a continuous flow or emanation of light, acting as a subject or object in a sentence, similar to examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stream of light" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a continuous flow of light. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While the phrase is not exceptionally common, it finds frequent application in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. Consider related phrases such as "a beam of light" or "a ray of light" for subtle variations in meaning. When using "a stream of light", ensure it aligns with directional, continuous flows rather than diffused lighting. This phrase effectively paints a visual picture of light in motion, adding depth to descriptions and narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beam of light

Replaces "stream" with "beam", focusing on the directional aspect of light.

a ray of light

Substitutes "stream" with "ray", emphasizing a single line of light.

a flow of light

Uses "flow" instead of "stream" to maintain the sense of continuous movement.

a current of light

Uses "current" to convey a continuous and directed flow of light, similar to water or electricity.

a flood of light

Replaces "stream" with "flood", highlighting the abundance of light.

a shaft of light

Focuses on a narrow, defined column of light.

a cascade of light

Emphasizes a falling, abundant movement of light.

a surge of light

Highlights a sudden and powerful burst of light.

a ribbon of light

Suggests a long, thin band of light.

a wave of light

Implies a rhythmic and expansive movement of light.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stream of light" to describe light flowing continuously from a source, as in, "A stream of light poured through the crack in the curtains."

What can I say instead of "a stream of light"?

You can use alternatives like "a beam of light", "a ray of light", or "a flood of light" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a stream of lights" instead of "a stream of light"?

While grammatically possible, "a stream of lights" implies multiple individual lights, rather than a continuous flow of light. "A stream of light" is more suitable for describing a continuous beam.

What's the difference between "a stream of light" and "a beam of light"?

While similar, "a beam of light" emphasizes the directionality and focused nature of the light, while "a stream of light" suggests a continuous flow, not necessarily focused or directional.