be a source of delight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a source of delight" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that brings joy or pleasure to someone. Example: "The beautiful garden in springtime can truly be a source of delight for visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It can be a source of delight or it can make you ill.

The New York Times

Vampires in particular featured heavily in the ratings; this should be a source of delight for us, as vampires are a Slavic invention.

The Guardian - Books

South Delhi is a cornucopia of minor ruins – an official guide lists hundreds of them – that can be a source of delight to anyone who casually wanders its streets.

The Guardian - Travel

"The changing artworks on Fourth Plinth continue to be a source of delight, discussion and debate and I am proud to be the mayor of a city that has such an energetic and vibrant cultural life," he added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At home her productive garden was a source of delight.

The Guardian

The most vibrant of them are not just a source of food, they are a source of delight.

The New York Times

And a cartoon villain, unlike the real thing, is a source of delight.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The chasm between the bleak naffness of that hopeless, inhospitable, rainy birthplace and the fun and magical artificiality of the fashion world is a source of delight".

The New Yorker

He is survived by eight wonderful grandchildren, James (Meridith), Aileen, Kristin, Elizabeth O'Malley(Jeff, Andreww, Johanna, Thomas, and Daniel to whom he was a source of delight, wisdom and inspiration.

The New York Times

Charlton's brief spell away from Manchester is rarely discussed nowadays, but at the time it was a source of delight to the clubs he graced.

The Guardian - Sport

Meg's brother, Charles Wallace, as written by L'Engle, is a sort of holy fool, a conspicuous exception among children, a prophet or seer endowed with great powers, while Meg is an ordinary type of math-and-science prodigy, distracted and adept, for whom he's a source of delight, complicity, and trouble.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a source of delight", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. It is suitable for describing anything that brings happiness, joy, or pleasure to someone.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "be a source of delight" in overly formal or technical writing can sound somewhat sentimental. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "provide benefit" or "offer value" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a source of delight" functions as a predicate nominative, describing something that provides happiness or pleasure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is used to express that something or someone brings positive emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a source of delight" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe anything that brings joy or pleasure. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, as confirmed by the Ludwig examples. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances such as the intensity and duration of the pleasure. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, where more neutral language might be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be a constant joy to

Emphasizes the continuous and unwavering nature of the delight.

bring happiness to

Focuses more directly on causing happiness, implying a stronger emotional impact.

be a continual pleasure for

Highlights the ongoing and repeated nature of the pleasurable experience.

give pleasure to

Emphasizes the act of providing enjoyment or satisfaction.

offer enjoyment to

Highlights the provision of a pleasurable experience.

provide gratification to

Suggests a deeper level of satisfaction and fulfillment.

be a thrill to

Indicates a strong sense of excitement and pleasure.

be a boon to

Suggests that something is beneficial and helpful, leading to delight.

be a great comfort to

Shifts the focus to providing solace and ease, rather than delight.

make one's day

Implies a simple yet impactful gesture that brings happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "be a source of delight" in a sentence?

You can use "be a source of delight" to describe something that brings joy or pleasure. For example, "The beautiful garden can "be a source of delight" for visitors".

What are some alternatives to "be a source of delight"?

Some alternatives include "bring happiness to", "give pleasure to", or "offer enjoyment to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be a source of delight" formal or informal?

"Be a source of delight" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's appropriate for a variety of contexts, though more technical writing might benefit from a more neutral term.

What's the difference between "be a source of delight" and "bring joy"?

While similar, "be a source of delight" suggests a sustained or ongoing provision of pleasure, whereas "bring joy" may imply a more immediate or sudden burst of happiness.