crack of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crack of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow beam or opening of light, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "As dawn broke, a crack of light appeared through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Just a crack of light peeks through the tightly drawn curtains of this Manhattan hotel room.

The Guardian - Music

A door creaked open slightly, allowing just a crack of light through.

The Guardian - Books

Dark in truck except for crack of light and fresh air coming through small interstice between back doors".

The New York Times

Because maybe every time a new poet breaks through, a crack of light shines on the rest of our efforts.

The Guardian - Books

I saw his shadow through the tiny crack of light in the door … it was a surreal moment.

The Guardian

One particularly arresting shot shows a huge cave shrouded in darkness, apart from a starkly bright, thin crack of light that faintly illuminates the rocks in its path.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene and cracking of light alkanes also have considerable potential, although further kinetic studies are necessary.

Chemical Engineering Science

The cracking of light olefins contained in several naphthas seems to be a good alternative for responding to this demand.

Catalysis Today

They range from some of Manchester's most iconic buildings to abstractions of detail: a pair of shoes, a lighter, cracks of light through blinds in some unknown darkened room.

The Guardian

The proposed process integrates co-cracking of light NGLs, the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction, and bioethanol dehydration with raw shale gas processing.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

He works to put human faces on the men and women you see huddled under overpasses and in alleyways, and there are cracks of light in the tale he tells, even moments of joy, bravery and suspense.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crack of light" to create a sense of hope or discovery in dark or confined settings. It can symbolize a breakthrough or a glimpse of something positive.

Common error

Avoid using "crack of light" in overly sentimental or predictable scenarios. Instead, explore more original imagery to convey similar meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crack of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of light appearing through a narrow opening. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crack of light" is a grammatically sound and evocative noun phrase used to describe a narrow beam or opening of light. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, books, and arts-related contexts, serving to create a sense of hope or revelation. While not exceedingly common, it's a recognized and accepted phrase, and alternatives such as "sliver of light" or "beam of light" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. It is advisable to avoid overusing "crack of light" in clichéd situations, ensuring its impact remains fresh and meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sliver of light

Replaces "crack" with "sliver", emphasizing the thinness and narrowness of the light source.

narrow beam of light

Adds the adjective "narrow" to further specify the nature of the light, similar to a sliver.

chink of light

Uses "chink" as a synonym for "crack", maintaining the idea of a small opening.

beam of light

Focuses on the light itself, rather than the opening, suggesting a directed ray.

ray of light

Similar to "beam of light", highlighting the radiant nature of the light.

gleam of light

Emphasizes the brightness and reflection of the light.

thread of light

Uses "thread" to emphasize the delicate and fragile nature of the light.

streak of light

Suggests a long, thin line of light.

glimmer of light

Implies a faint, unsteady light source.

flash of light

Highlights a sudden, brief appearance of light.

FAQs

How can I use "crack of light" in a sentence?

You can use "crack of light" to describe a narrow opening from which light emerges, such as "A "crack of light" peeked through the closed door" or metaphorically, to represent a glimpse of hope in a difficult situation.

What's the difference between ""crack of light"" and "ray of light"?

"Crack of light" suggests a narrow opening or source, while "ray of light" refers to the beam itself, implying direction and intensity.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase ""crack of light""?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "sliver of light", "beam of light", or "chink of light" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is ""crack of light"" a common phrase?

While not exceptionally common, ""crack of light"" is a recognized and usable phrase. Ludwig and its sources indicate it appears across various forms of media, from news to literature.