cast a glow

USAGE SUMMARY

'cast a glow' is a correct and usable form of expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a light source that illuminates a surrounding area, as in the sentence "The sunset cast a warm glow on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Their warm personalities cast a glow over their subordinates.

The New York Times

But even her modest patent-leather lapels cast a glow over a week whose overarching theme is the play of shade and light.

The New York Times

Bonfires cast a glow down darkened streets, where protesters retreated from tear gas, stumbling over the debris of their days of melees.

The New York Times

The soft light surrounding the three-dollar pearl necklaces in the women's accessories department cast a glow, and he suddenly turned thoughtful.

The New Yorker

A good song even a bad one heard at the right moment can cast a glow of enchantment over ordinary circumstances.

The New York Times

Special outings share Albuquerque lore in the form of talks on public art, ghost stories around Halloween, and tours to see holiday luminarias, the paper-bag lanterns that cast a glow on winter nights.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The beacon-red background of the electronic billboards casts a glow on the snow banks beneath them.

Independent

The morning sun eased over Manhattan, casting a glow on the Hudson River that Lloyd Burlingame could not see.

The New York Times

The tubes in the HW-F850 preamplifier are visible though a window in the front of the sound bar, casting a glow like hot coals.

The New York Times - Tech

Like the explorer, Pilar is filmed in narrow-screen black-and-white, which casts a glow of nostalgic mystery over her everyday dealings with friends and neighbors.

The New York Times

Sterling Hyltin plays its owner, Anna Sergeevna, one of the lovers, and the way she attends to it as she promenades across the stage on her entrance casts a glow upon both the animal and her.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast a glow" to describe how light from a source affects its surroundings, creating a visually appealing or emotionally resonant atmosphere. For instance, "The fireplace cast a warm glow on the family gathered around it".

Common error

Avoid using "cast a glow" to simply state that something is bright. It's better suited for describing the effect of light on a scene or object. For example, instead of saying "The sun cast a glow", specify what the sun illuminated: "The sun cast a glow on the snow-covered mountains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a glow" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of emitting light and its effect on the surrounding environment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable form in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing light from various sources, such as bonfires or the sun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cast a glow" is a versatile phrase used to describe the effect of light on its surroundings, often with an emphasis on creating a particular atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and other sources, highlighting its widespread use. The phrase effectively paints a visual picture of how light interacts with its environment, adding depth and nuance to descriptions. When writing, remember that the phrase best describes the effect of light, not just its existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emit a radiance

Replaces "cast" with "emit" and "glow" with "radiance", emphasizing the act of sending out a bright light.

spread a shimmer

Suggests a softer, more diffused light than "glow", focusing on a gentle, wavering effect.

radiate a luminescence

Uses more formal terms to convey a sense of bright, emanating light.

project a gleam

Highlights a focused, reflected light rather than a general illumination.

exude a brilliance

Conveys a powerful and intense level of light emission.

give off a shine

A more casual way to describe something reflecting light, less intense than a "glow".

throw off a sparkle

Indicates a scattered, twinkling light, different from a steady "glow".

reflect a sheen

Emphasizes the reflection of light off a surface, rather than emitting light itself.

diffuse a soft light

Focuses on the gentle and widespread nature of the light, rather than its intensity.

illuminate gently

Describes a mild lighting effect, avoiding any strong or harsh light.

FAQs

How can I use "cast a glow" in a sentence?

Use "cast a glow" to describe the effect of light on something. For example, "The setting sun "cast a glow on" the fields", showing how the sunlight illuminated the landscape.

What's a good alternative to "cast a glow"?

Alternatives include phrases like "emit a radiance", "spread a shimmer", or "radiate a luminescence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cast a glow" or "emit a glow"?

"Cast a glow" emphasizes the effect of the light on the surroundings, while "emit a glow" focuses on the source of the light itself. Both are correct, but they shift the emphasis in the sentence.

What does it mean when something "casts a glow"?

When something "casts a glow", it means that it is emitting light that illuminates its surroundings, often creating a soft, warm, or attractive effect. The phrase emphasizes the light's influence rather than the light itself.