bolt of lighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bolt of lighting" is not correct; it should be "bolt of lightning." You can use the correct phrase when describing a sudden flash of light produced by an electrical discharge during a storm.
Example: "The bolt of lightning struck the tree, splitting it in half."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Join Jo on the Village Green, and find out more about Holly Sparkes, just your average 12-year-old girl - until she becomes extraordinary, after being hit by a bolt of lighting.

The Guardian

The Challenge arrived like a bolt of lighting.

Vice

Pikachu from the Pokémon games can bring down a bolt of lighting, Link from the Zelda games can fire arrows and the pink blob Kirby can suck enemies inside him to acquire their powers.

The New York Times - Tech

It was then, like a bolt of lighting striking a Botero jello sculpture on a trampoline raft in the middle of a lake, that I realized I was paying a cat three dollars an hour to advertise an illegal sandwich operation almost five miles north of my truck.

The New Yorker

A bolt of lighting struck several campers at The Goldman Union Camp (GUCI), one of them being Ethan Kadish.

Huffington Post

Like a bolt of lighting, I got struck with a thought that has helped guide my life ever since: Would I ever purposely slam my finger in a door?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Then it came, like a bolt of light.

The Guardian

Then a bolt of light ran through the interior aisle, and soot came down through the air vents.

The New York Times

During my stay, I never had to wait long for the light to change; I no sooner left one view of rocks bathed in rich, afternoon sunshine than I turned a corner and found myself facing a thunderhead, all bruised and purpled with only a single bolt of light shining down on one of the mesas.

The New York Times - Travel

In the video, which shows the moment lightning strikes the train in Tokyo, a bolt of light surges across the early evening sky before touching down on a railway as the train passes.

Huffington Post

Can experienced duration be measured and clocked in the same way as durations of lighting bolts, 100 metre sprints and other happenings in the wider world?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always double-check your spelling and grammar. "Lightning" refers to the atmospheric electrical discharge, while "lighting" refers to the act of illuminating something or equipment used for illumination. Use "bolt of lightning" to accurately describe the natural phenomenon.

Common error

Avoid using "bolt of lighting" when you mean "bolt of lightning". "Lighting" refers to illumination, while "lightning" refers to the electrical discharge in the atmosphere. Using the wrong term changes the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bolt of lighting" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. However, it's crucial to note that this phrase is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "bolt of lightning". As Ludwig AI indicates, the error stems from confusing "lighting" (illumination) with "lightning" (atmospheric discharge).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the query "bolt of lighting" is a common misspelling of "bolt of lightning". As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the confusion arises from using "lighting" instead of "lightning". While the phrase appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, it's crucial to use the correct spelling to ensure grammatical accuracy and avoid miscommunication. Remember that "lightning" refers to the electrical discharge in the atmosphere, while "lighting" refers to illumination. If you're looking for alternatives, consider "flash of lightning" or "lightning strike", but always use the correct term "bolt of lightning" when describing the natural phenomenon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flash of lightning

Replaces 'bolt' with 'flash', emphasizing the visual aspect of a brief, intense light.

lightning strike

Focuses on the act of lightning hitting a surface, rather than the visual phenomenon.

lightning flash

Similar to "flash of lightning", but reverses the order of the words.

stroke of lightning

Emphasizes the lightning event. It can be used, although less common than lightning strike

electrical discharge

A more scientific and technical term for the same event.

thunderbolt

A more dramatic and archaic term for a lightning strike.

discharge of electricity

Another scientific way of expressing the event. It can be used in different scientific/technical context.

sudden illumination

Emphasizes the abrupt burst of light, applicable in broader contexts beyond weather.

burst of light

Generalizes the concept to any sudden and intense emission of light.

blinding flash

Highlights the effect of the light on vision, emphasizing its intensity.

FAQs

What is the correct phrase, "bolt of lighting" or "bolt of lightning"?

The correct phrase is "bolt of lightning". "Lighting" refers to illumination, whereas "lightning" is the atmospheric electrical discharge you see during a storm.

What does "bolt of lightning" mean?

A "bolt of lightning" refers to a sudden and powerful flash of electrical discharge that occurs during a thunderstorm. It is often used metaphorically to describe something sudden and impactful.

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

Since "bolt of lighting" is incorrect, use "bolt of lightning". You can also use alternatives like "flash of lightning" or "lightning strike" depending on the context.

How can I remember the difference between 'lightning' and 'lighting'?

Think of "lightning" as related to thunderstorms and electrical discharges in the sky. "Lighting", on the other hand, relates to light sources or the act of illuminating something.