an epiphany

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an epiphany" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a sudden realization or understanding of something. Example: After years of struggling with her career choice, Lily had an epiphany that she was meant to be an artist.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had an epiphany.

The New York Times - Sports

He had an epiphany.

The New York Times

Then he had an epiphany.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I had an epiphany.

The New York Times - Food

(Suddenly, Hitler has an epiphany).

The New Yorker

Finally, he had an epiphany.

The New Yorker

He also experienced an epiphany.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tu had an epiphany.

The New York Times

She has an epiphany.

The Guardian - Film

Basically an epiphany".

The Guardian

Then an epiphany.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an epiphany" to describe a sudden and significant realization that leads to a change in perspective or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "an epiphany" to describe a gradual understanding or a conclusion reached after a long period of thought. An epiphany is sudden and often unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an epiphany" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It represents a sudden and profound moment of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an epiphany" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sudden, significant realization or insight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, but also appears in Encyclopedias and academic writings. Its communicative purpose is to convey a moment of clarity that often leads to a change in perspective or understanding. While the term has religious roots, its modern usage maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use "an epiphany" when you want to emphasize the sudden and transformative nature of a realization, differentiating it from a gradual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden realization

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the understanding.

a moment of clarity

Emphasizes the clearness and lack of confusion in the realization.

a flash of insight

Highlights the suddenness and intellectual nature of the understanding.

a stroke of inspiration

Suggests the realization leads to creative ideas or actions.

a revelation

Implies a significant or profound unveiling of truth.

a breakthrough

Highlights overcoming an obstacle or difficulty through the realization.

a profound understanding

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the realization.

a life-changing insight

Suggests the realization has a significant impact on one's life.

a transformative moment

Highlights the capacity of the realization to create a change.

a dawning

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the understanding, like the sunrise.

FAQs

How can I use "an epiphany" in a sentence?

You can use "an epiphany" to describe a sudden and profound realization. For example, "After years of working in finance, she had "an epiphany" and decided to become a teacher."

What's the difference between "an epiphany" and "a realization"?

"An epiphany" implies a sudden and often life-changing understanding, while "a realization" can refer to any understanding, whether sudden or gradual, significant or minor.

Are there any synonyms for "an epiphany"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "a sudden realization", "a moment of clarity", or "a flash of insight" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I had an epiphany moment"?

While understandable, "epiphany moment" is somewhat redundant since "an epiphany" already refers to a moment of realization. Saying "I had "an epiphany"" is generally more concise and grammatically sound.