daylight has broken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "daylight has broken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when the sun rises and light begins to appear in the morning. Example: "As I stepped outside, I noticed that daylight has broken, illuminating the landscape with a warm glow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our long night has past and the daylight of new democratic government has broken across the land.

The Guardian

— JOANNE C. GERSTNER Federer has broken Isner, at 4-all, and that could be enough daylight to take the first set.

The New York Times

The ice has broken.

The New York Times

My fever has broken.

The New Yorker

Politics has broken down.

The Economist

Cholera has broken out.

The Economist

The dike has broken.

The New York Times

The tone of the dustup between Mr. Albert and Mr. Krauss — summed up by one blogger as "an ongoing cosmological street fight" that had broken out "broad media daylight" — would have certainly left those who saw both men's names on early publicity material anticipating something closer to a wrestling match than dispassionate scholarly discussion.

The New York Times

"We do want to respect the Whitney's mission," Vergne told me, "but we conceived the mission as 'America in the world.' " Iles and Vergne have broken precedent by giving this show a title, "Day for Night"; it refers to the 1973 Truffaut film, which itself referred to the cinematographer's technique of shooting night scenes in daylight, through a special filter.

The New Yorker

Water mains had broken.

The New York Times

Strikes have broken out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "daylight has broken" to poetically describe the arrival of morning, especially when emphasizing the end of a dark or difficult period. This phrase adds a touch of metaphorical depth.

Common error

Avoid using "daylight has broken" in purely functional descriptions of morning. The phrase is more effective in contexts where the arrival of daylight has symbolic meaning.

Linguistic Context

Descriptive Phrase: "Daylight has broken" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It depicts the arrival of morning or the emergence of light, as supported by Ludwig, which notes its use in describing the start of a new democratic government.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "daylight has broken" is a descriptive and somewhat literary expression used to signify the arrival of morning or, metaphorically, the beginning of a new, positive era. Ludwig confirms its correctness and appropriate usage in various written contexts. While "daylight has broken" isn't the most common way to describe the start of the day, it carries a slightly more formal and evocative tone than simpler alternatives. It is often employed in news, media, and contexts where emphasizing hope or a significant transition is desired. It is best used when aiming for a more poetic or descriptive style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dawn has arrived

Focuses specifically on the moment of dawn, emphasizing the beginning of daylight.

morning has come

A simple and direct way to state that it is morning.

day has begun

Highlights the start of the day, similar to daylight arriving.

night has ended

Focuses on the conclusion of the night, implying the arrival of daylight.

light has emerged

Emphasizes the appearance of light, fitting in contexts where darkness was significant.

a new day is dawning

Suggests the beginning of something new, often used metaphorically.

the sun has risen

Describes the sun's appearance above the horizon.

darkness has lifted

Highlights the removal of darkness, emphasizing relief or a change in atmosphere.

a bright morning has unfolded

Expands on the scene with an evocative tone.

the first light is visible

Focuses on the initial appearance of light.

FAQs

How can I use "daylight has broken" in a sentence?

Use "daylight has broken" to describe the moment when morning arrives, often with a sense of hope or renewal. For example, "After the long winter, "daylight has broken", bringing warmth and new life to the valley."

What's a more common alternative to "daylight has broken"?

More common alternatives include phrases such as "dawn has arrived" or "morning has come", which are less figurative and more straightforward.

Is "daylight has broken" a formal or informal expression?

"Daylight has broken" leans towards a slightly more formal or literary register. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases may be preferred, but it is certainly appropriate in writing and speeches.

Can "daylight has broken" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "daylight has broken" can be used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a new, positive period after a time of difficulty or darkness. For example, "After years of political turmoil, "daylight has broken", and the country is moving towards stability."