cast light upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast light upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify, explain, or bring attention to a particular subject or issue. Example: "The research aims to cast light upon the effects of climate change on local ecosystems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But if that is so, it is difficult to see how we could cast light upon the realm of aesthetic interest by studying the concept of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both Mr. Rodriguez and Mrs. Figueiredo, in differing ways, cast light upon a somewhat underappreciated, though potent, force in the American housing market.

The New York Times

We seek herein to cast light upon these reaction mechanisms by attempting to quantify changes in the atomic-scale structure of the glass scaffold as a result of in vitro reaction with simulated body fluid (SBF).

Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids

If the start of the conference does resemble a class of 10-year-olds the day after the new Harry Potter comes out, it will be because the inner working of the party remains obscure to many Lib Dem members and they will seize upon any work that promises to cast light upon it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Studied only sparsely for decades, NOAA expeditions to the seamount in 2002 and 2006 cast light upon its unique deep-sea coral ecosystem.

Wikipedia

Within just a few pages, this example is expertly wielded to cast light upon how evolutionary biologists create phylogenetic trees, attempt to reconstruct the ancestral tetrapod body plan, and create detailed hypotheses based on the fossil record.

Evolutionary Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Each life, however, presents its own opportunities as well as specific difficulties to the biographer: the ingenuity with which the biographer handles gaps in the record by providing information, for example, about the age that casts light upon the subject has much to do with the quality of the resulting work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under conditions of visual fixation, perceptual fading occurs when a stationary object, though present in the world and continually casting light upon the retina, vanishes from visual consciousness.

Plosone

Perceptual fading, also called "The Troxler effect" [1], occurs when an object, though present in the world and continually casting light upon the retina, vanishes from visual consciousness (Figure 1a).

Plosone

Perceptual filling-in is also known as 'perceptual fading' or 'The Troxler effect' [4], which occurs when an object, though present in the world and continually casting light upon the retina, vanishes from visual consciousness to be replaced by its surrounding background.

Plosone

The purpose of this study is to clear the path towards uniformity by casting light upon the technical and practical use of medical eponyms.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast light upon" when you want to emphasize the act of revealing or clarifying something that was previously obscure or not well understood. It's often effective in academic, scientific, or journalistic contexts.

Common error

While "cast light upon" is grammatically sound, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "explain" or "clarify" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast light upon" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase used to clarify, explain, or reveal information about a particular subject. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in academic research, news reporting, and general explanations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cast light upon" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to clarify or explain complex topics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various fields. While versatile, remember that it tends towards formality, so consider your audience when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "shed light on" or "clarify" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. By understanding its nuances, you can use "cast light upon" effectively to enhance clarity and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed light on

Replaces "cast" with "shed", providing a slightly more common and informal alternative.

throw light on

Similar to "shed light on", offering a slight variation in phrasing.

illuminate

Offers a more concise and direct way of saying "make clear or understandable".

elucidate

A more formal synonym for "make clear", suitable for academic or technical contexts.

clarify

A straightforward substitute, emphasizing the removal of confusion or ambiguity.

clarify the matter

Emphasizes the act of making a specific issue or topic easier to understand.

explain

A basic and widely understood alternative, focusing on providing understanding.

provide insight into

Highlights the offering of a deeper understanding or perspective.

bring to light

Shifts the focus to revealing something previously unknown.

make something clear

A simple and direct way to express the act of clarifying.

FAQs

How can I use "cast light upon" in a sentence?

You can use "cast light upon" to introduce new information or provide a clearer understanding of a topic. For example, "This research aims to cast light upon the effects of social media on teenagers".

What is a good substitute for "cast light upon"?

Alternatives to "cast light upon" include "shed light on", "illuminate", or "clarify", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "cast light upon" a formal expression?

Yes, "cast light upon" is generally considered a more formal expression. In less formal settings, consider using phrases like "explain" or "make clear".

What's the difference between "cast light upon" and "shed light on"?

The phrases "cast light upon" and "shed light on" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "shed light on" might be perceived as slightly more common and less formal than "cast light upon".