a strong light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a light source that emits a high intensity of illumination. Example: "The room was filled with a strong light, making it difficult to see anything clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The white walls beat back a strong light.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of them pale a little under a strong light.

The Economist

Carbon fiber covers an air-filled honeycombed sheet to make a strong, light shell.

University of California, Berkeley

He wrote, "Place Donatello's 'David' in a strong light, against a much darker background".

The New Yorker

"Burberry's recent news shines such a strong light on our leadership in this field," she said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In diamond, then, a dense network of strong bonds creates a strong, light, and stiff material.

MIT Technology Review

A 38-foot-wide hexagonal ring of floats supports a strong, light cylindrical net weighted at the bottom.

The New York Times

Dubbed "natural branding", the technique uses a strong light to remove pigment from the skin of produce.

The Guardian

We see them first against a stylized sea on a backdrop, staring into a strong light coming from the wings.

The New York Times - Arts

I try to establish a strong light source and let value define the picture more than color.

The New York Times - Books

The case is made of a strong, light alloy — 90 percent magnesium with aluminum accounting for most of the rest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "a strong light" to emphasize the intensity and clarity of the illumination. This can create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong light" excessively in metaphorical contexts where other phrases like "intense scrutiny" or "close examination" might be more appropriate to maintain clarity and avoid clichés.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "strong" modifies the noun "light". This is supported by Ludwig, which shows the phrase used in various contexts to describe a source of illumination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strong light" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions to describe something that provides intense illumination or to highlight something figuratively. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general media. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its frequent presence in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When a writer wants to emphasize the intensity and clarity of the illumination, "a strong light" can create a more vivid and impactful image for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bright light

Emphasizes the intensity of the light, focusing on its luminosity.

a powerful light

Highlights the force and intensity of the light source.

an intense light

Focuses on the high degree of concentration or energy of the light.

a brilliant light

Implies both brightness and clarity of the light.

a glaring light

Suggests an uncomfortably bright and harsh light.

a radiant light

Highlights the light's quality of emitting energy and warmth.

an illuminating light

Focuses on the light's ability to make things visible.

a vivid light

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of the light.

a concentrated light

Implies that the light is focused into a specific area.

a potent light

Emphasizes the power and effectiveness of the light.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong light" in a sentence?

You can use "a strong light" to describe intense illumination, as in "The investigator shone "a strong light" on the evidence." It can also be used metaphorically.

What are some alternatives to using "a strong light"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a bright light", "a powerful light", or "an intense light".

Is it correct to say "a strongly light" instead of "a strong light"?

No, "a strongly light" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a strong light", where "strong" modifies the noun "light".

When is it appropriate to use "a strong light" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the intensity, clarity, or power of a light source, whether literally or metaphorically. For example, "A strong light illuminated the stage", or "The scandal cast "a strong light" on the company's ethics".