beams of sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"beams of sunlight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to the sun's rays or to evoke a feeling of brightness or optimism. For example: "The house was filled with the warmth of beams of sunlight streaming in through the windows".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Bands of yellow evoke beams of sunlight.

The New Yorker

One, a hollow aluminum mould, shimmers in beams of sunlight.

The Guardian - Arts

Part of the roof had caved in, and beams of sunlight shone through the gap.

The New York Times

And soon enough, Dad, while driving through the countryside, notices beams of sunlight slanting down on a shack.

The New York Times

It is a long, sloping plaza covered in smooth red brick, with a few trees stretching for rare beams of sunlight.

The New York Times - Sports

His triumph may seem one of relentless, potentially irritating positivity, but he is at his best when shining great beams of sunlight on a darker situation.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The afternoon sun sent a beam of sunlight through the only window.

The New York Times - Food

Sondheim makes a face like Dracula being struck by a beam of sunlight.

The Guardian

Here a beam of sunlight engulfs her as a statue of the Virgin and Child on the church wall glows.

The New York Times - Arts

Or that "All at Once," at its peak, permits a single beam of sunlight through the clouds.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'd had no dramatic dark, neither at sea nor in the tomb, and no resurrecting beam of sunlight.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Beams of sunlight" can also be used metaphorically to represent hope, clarity, or a positive influence.

Common error

Avoid using "beams of sunlight" in every situation requiring a metaphor for hope or positivity. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "a ray of hope" or "a glimmer of optimism" to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beams of sunlight" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used to depict a scene or setting. Ludwig provides many examples where it visually illustrates the presence and effect of sunlight, contributing to the overall imagery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beams of sunlight" is a versatile and widely used phrase for descriptive writing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in reputable news sources, indicating its reliability and acceptance in standard English. While synonyms such as "rays of sunlight" or "shafts of sunlight" can provide slight nuance, "beams of sunlight" remains a strong and effective choice to depict light, warmth, and clarity in various written contexts. This phrase evokes a sense of imagery and adds depth to descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rays of sunlight

Synonymous; emphasizes the individual lines of light.

shafts of sunlight

Implies a more focused and directed light.

sunlight streaming through

Focuses on the action of sunlight passing through something.

sun's rays

A more general reference to sunlight.

sunlight filtering through

Emphasizes a gentle or diffused quality of light.

sunlight pouring in

Suggests an abundance of sunlight.

dappled sunlight

Describes sunlight broken up by foliage or other objects, creating a pattern of light and shadow.

golden sunlight

Highlights the color and warmth of the sunlight.

a blaze of sunlight

Suggests a sudden and intense burst of sunlight.

fingers of sunlight

A more poetic and evocative way to describe beams of light.

FAQs

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

You can use "beams of sunlight" to describe a scene, such as "The dust motes danced in the "beams of sunlight" streaming through the attic window" or to evoke a feeling of warmth and hope.

What's a more evocative alternative to "beams of sunlight"?

Consider using "shafts of sunlight" or "fingers of sunlight" for a more poetic effect. The best choice depends on the specific image you want to create.

Is it correct to say "beam of sun" instead of "beams of sunlight"?

"Beam of sun" is grammatically correct, but it's less common and typically refers to a single, distinct ray. "Beams of sunlight" suggests multiple rays or a broader area of light.

Can "beams of sunlight" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "beams of sunlight" can be used metaphorically to represent hope, clarity, or a positive influence. For example, "Her smile was like "beams of sunlight" after a long storm."