arcs of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arcs of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the visual phenomenon of light appearing in curved shapes, often in artistic or scientific contexts. Example: "The artist captured the beauty of the sunset with vibrant arcs of light stretching across the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

As the boats moved downriver, the smaller offerings followed along in wobbly arcs of light.

The New York Times - Travel

Gravitational lensing, sometimes manifested as bright arcs of light appearing in telescope images, has revealed exceedingly distant galaxies and quasars that would otherwise have remained undetected.

The New York Times - Arts

Unexpectedly, a space shuttle crew flew through an aurora sown by a solar flare in 1985, and the astronauts took videos of gigantic arcs of light undulating over the Pacific.

The New York Times - Science

"We started noticing that we were having false sunrises," Ms. Osborne said, describing arcs of light that slid from magenta to green to white as the billboard's images changed.

The New York Times

However, the more subtle supernumerary bows weak arcs of light occasionally seen below the primary arc of colours are caused by diffraction effects in the water droplets that form the rainbow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After drifting onto the runway, the drone leads viewers into arcs of light and illuminated geometric shapes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One might see that arc of light as a gauge of urban anxiety level.

The New York Times - Arts

Strip windows along the ceiling let in an arc of light that strikes the curves of the back wall in daytime; strip windows at ground level on the back wall show thin slices of green grass.

The New York Times

But far off toward the sea there was an arc of light that seemed to throb as we drew closer, until we were in the midst of the brilliant wet and clamorous life of the wharves.

The New Yorker

In a 1965 shoot for Elle, a gamine model in graphic patterned suit by Dior, leather gloves and fedora is caught in a dramatic arc of light against a mosaic wall.

The Guardian - Books

The improvements included a red arc of light over the hazardous Pearl Rock region.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "arcs of light" to create vivid imagery when describing natural phenomena, artistic displays, or scientific observations involving curved or radiant light sources.

Common error

While suitable for descriptive writing, avoid using "arcs of light" in highly technical contexts where precise terminology regarding light properties is necessary. Use more specific terms like "diffraction patterns" or "lensing effects" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arcs of light" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific visual phenomenon. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across various contexts, indicating its versatility in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Science

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "arcs of light" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe curved or radiant light formations. According to Ludwig AI analysis, while not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. It serves primarily to create vivid imagery and is most fitting in descriptive or artistic writing. Alternative phrases like "bands of light" or "curves of illumination" can be used to offer a slightly different nuance. The expert rating highlights its reliable grammar and source authority, solidifying its value in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bands of light

Replaces "arcs" with "bands", shifting the image from curved lines to broader sections of light.

curves of illumination

Substitutes "arcs" with "curves" and "light" with "illumination", offering a more formal tone.

strips of light

Emphasizes the elongated and narrow nature of the light, changing the shape from curved to straight.

beams of light

Focuses on the projection aspect of the light, less on the curved shape.

shafts of light

Suggests a more directed and concentrated form of light, different from a diffused arc.

waves of light

Implies a flowing and undulating movement of light, rather than a static arc.

crescents of light

Specifically denotes a crescent shape, limiting the general "arc" to a more specific form.

sweeps of light

Highlights the sweeping motion or effect of the light, emphasizing its reach.

ribbons of light

Suggests a flowing and delicate band of light, like a ribbon in the sky.

halos of light

Implies a circular or radiant glow surrounding something, changing the spatial relationship of the light.

FAQs

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

You can use "arcs of light" to describe a visual phenomenon where light appears in a curved shape. For example, "The aurora borealis painted stunning "arcs of light" across the night sky."

What are some alternatives to "arcs of light"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "bands of light", "curves of illumination", or "shafts of light".

Is "arcs of light" a formal or informal expression?

"Arcs of light" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive or artistic writing rather than technical documentation.

What kind of imagery does "arcs of light" evoke?

"Arcs of light" typically evokes imagery of curved, radiant, and often ethereal light patterns, such as those seen in rainbows, auroras, or artistic light installations.