beams of light

USAGE SUMMARY

"beams of light" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group or stream of light that is shining or emanating from a source. Example: The morning sun pierced through the window, casting beams of light onto the floor and illuminating the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beams of light stabbed the audience all over the place.

The New Yorker

Warmth and beams of light seeped through the ceiling.

The New Yorker

Inevitably, four bobbing beams of light signal their arrival.

The Guardian - Music

Eventually, he saw beams of light headed toward him.

The New Yorker

Hanbury Brown, R. & Twiss, R. Q. Correlation between photons in two coherent beams of light.

Nature

A new approach uses beams of light to direct cytoplasmic flows.

Nature

Throughout "The Objective" there are weird visual portents, deadly beams of light and disappearing bodies.

The New York Times

Fluctuating yellow beams of light, known as caustics, reached thinly toward our faces.

The New Yorker

The beams of light will be visible, in fair weather, for at least 80 miles.

The New Yorker

Stackable storage: A hologram is produced by two beams of light that interfere with each other.

MIT Technology Review

The beams of light and gravitational shock waves from stars' collision finally reached Earth in August.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing lighting in a scene, use "beams of light" to effectively convey focused and directional light sources, adding depth and realism to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using overly descriptive adjectives with "beams of light" that state the obvious, such as "bright beams of light". Instead, focus on the context and effect of the light to create a more vivid image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beams of light" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a group or collection of light rays emanating from a source. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beams of light" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that effectively describes focused streams of light. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s versatile enough for various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to everyday descriptions in news and media. While synonyms like "rays of light" and "shafts of light" exist, "beams of light" carries a specific connotation of focused and directional light. When using this phrase, ensure you're adding meaningful detail rather than redundant adjectives to enhance your writing's clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rays of light

Focuses on individual streams of light emanating from a source, similar to "beams of light" but can imply a more dispersed or less focused emanation.

shafts of light

Emphasizes the elongated and often vertical nature of light, typically seen when light penetrates through openings or gaps.

streams of light

Highlights the continuous flow and movement of light, suitable for describing dynamic lighting effects.

columns of light

Suggests a more structured and defined shape of light, often used in architectural or stage lighting contexts.

fingers of light

Evokes a sense of delicate and probing light, often used poetically to describe how light reaches into dark or shadowed areas.

pencils of light

Implies a narrow and focused light source, similar to the beam of a flashlight or spotlight.

ribbons of light

Describes light that appears in long, flowing bands, often used in visual arts or descriptions of natural phenomena like auroras.

tributaries of light

A more metaphorical expression referring to many smaller light sources that contribute to a main one.

luminescent rays

Focuses on the characteristic of light emission due to luminescence.

illumination flares

Describes a sudden burst of bright light, often used in photography or emergency scenarios.

FAQs

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

You can use "beams of light" to describe how light is emitted from a source, such as "The sun cast "beams of light" through the clouds" or "Stage lights projected "beams of light" onto the performers".

What are some synonyms for "beams of light"?

Alternatives to "beams of light" include "rays of light", "shafts of light", or "streams of light", each varying slightly in connotation depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "beam of light" instead of "beams of light"?

Both are correct, but "beam of light" refers to a single stream of light, while "beams of light" indicates multiple streams. The choice depends on whether you are describing one or more distinct light emanations.

What imagery does "beams of light" typically evoke?

"Beams of light" often evoke images of focus, direction, and intensity. The phrase can describe both natural phenomena, like sunlight, and artificial lighting, like spotlights, suggesting both illumination and a sense of dramatic effect.