bolt of electricity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bolt of electricity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and powerful surge of electrical energy, often in a metaphorical sense to convey intensity or impact. Example: "When she heard the news, it hit her like a bolt of electricity, leaving her momentarily speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You'd jump, too, if you had a clue about what will happen in THE BURNING WIRE (Simon & Schuster, $26.99) after someone hacks into the regional power company's electric grid and diverts enough juice to hurl a bolt of electricity at a city bus and shut down six square blocks near Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Books

"It's like a bolt of electricity is going around their classroom," says the education secretary.

The Guardian

I leaped up, as if zapped by a bolt of electricity, knocking over my chair.

The Guardian

If the point was deterrence, why choose the relatively quick end of a sudden bolt of electricity instead of something more grisly?

The New York Times

That's the hope of two scientists, Frank Mark Duplasss) and Zoe (Olivia Wilde), who have just concocted some milky-white goo that, when zapped with a nice James Whale-esque bolt of electricity, can resurrect the dead.

The Guardian - Film

It was spring 2011, and he had just shot a bolt of electricity through a dusty seminar on online privacy with a passionate invective on sham anonymization of datasets that went into idiocy-explainer levels of detail about how current U.K. data protection law was being a complete ass.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One night, it fired bolts of electricity into the sky.

The New York Times - Science

You know who ought to be jittery about high-voltage bolts of electricity?

The New Yorker

Blue bolts of electricity have already killed several cows, and firefighters will not go near the power lines.

The New York Times

The statue is a 22-foot-tall figure with one arm stretched skyward, grasping symbolic bolts of electricity, and with coils of cable winding around the torso.

The New York Times

The number "Welcome to Streeterville" features extreme dynamic contrasts, but the most piercing images were all of these men's feet bursting out from beneath them like bolts of electricity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bolt of electricity" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys a sudden and impactful event or realization.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt of electricity" to describe gradual or subtle changes. This phrase is best suited for sudden, dramatic moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolt of electricity" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It is often used metaphorically to describe a sudden, powerful, and often unexpected event or feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bolt of electricity" is a noun phrase often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and powerful experience or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, predominantly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context conveys the intended sense of sudden impact and transformative energy. Alternatives like "surge of electricity" or "jolt of electricity" can provide similar nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of electricity

Replaces "bolt" with "surge", emphasizing a rapid increase in electrical power.

jolt of electricity

Substitutes "bolt" with "jolt", highlighting a sudden shock or impact.

shock of electricity

Replaces "bolt" with "shock", focusing on the surprising and impactful nature of the electrical discharge.

sudden electrical surge

Emphasizes the abrupt and powerful nature of the electricity.

electrical discharge

Provides a more technical and literal description of the phenomenon.

powerful electrical current

Highlights the strength and flow of the electricity.

intense electrical energy

Focuses on the high level of energy associated with the electricity.

electrical flash

Highlights the visual aspect of the electricity.

spark of electricity

Replaces "bolt" with "spark", indicating a smaller, more contained electrical discharge.

electrical impulse

Focuses on the transmission of electrical energy.

FAQs

How can I use "bolt of electricity" in a sentence?

You can use "bolt of electricity" to describe a sudden shock, a surprising realization, or an intense surge of energy. For example: "The news hit her like a bolt of electricity."

What can I say instead of "bolt of electricity"?

You can use alternatives like "surge of electricity", "jolt of electricity", or "shock of electricity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bolt of electricity" in formal writing?

While "bolt of electricity" is acceptable, consider using a more precise or technical term like "electrical discharge" or "sudden electrical surge" in highly formal or scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "bolt of electricity" and "bolt of lightning"?

"Bolt of electricity" is a broader term that can refer to any sudden surge of electrical energy, while "bolt of lightning" specifically refers to the electrical discharge during a thunderstorm.