electric light bulb

USAGE SUMMARY

"electric light bulb" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you need to refer to an electric light bulb. For example: "The invention of the electric light bulb revolutionized the way people light their homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We are well aware that the electric light bulb was not invented by a candle maker.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And then, finally, in the late 19th century, the electric light bulb emerged.

The New York Times

On Nov. 4, 1879, Patent 223,898 marked the official invention of the electric light bulb.

The New York Times

An electric light bulb was self-­starting, self-maintaining, cheap, efficient, clean and safe.

The New York Times - Books

BRITAIN created the first electric light bulb and a pioneering national grid.

The Economist

The electric light bulb has made darkness optional, eliminating the enforced idleness that used to begin at sunset.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Somersault past Menlo Park, New Jersey, where Thomas Edison invented the commercial electric-light bulb, and Buffalo, New York, where President McKinley was shot by an anarchist.

The New Yorker

The apparatus consisted of a three-litre bulb in the bottom of which there was sealed a tungsten filament from a 300-watt electric-light bulb.

Nature

The New Yorker, June 25 , 1932P. 7 Gentleman staying overnight in a Mid-western family hotel was annoyed to find that the only electric-light bulb in the room was dead.

The New Yorker

By W. J. Delaney and James Thurber The New Yorker, June 25 , 1932P. 7 Gentleman staying overnight in a Mid-western family hotel was annoyed to find that the only electric-light bulb in the room was dead.

The New Yorker

Here he offers his rationale: It has always been an ironic fact to those of us who are in the electric-light-bulb industry that in comic books and similar graphic outlets the light bulb has traditionally served as the symbol of a bright idea.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the history of technology, use "electric light bulb" to specifically refer to the invention that replaced gas and oil lamps, emphasizing its impact on society.

Common error

Don't use "electric light bulb" when a more specific term like "LED bulb" or "halogen lamp" is appropriate, especially when discussing modern lighting technologies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "electric light bulb" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "electric light bulb" is a common noun phrase used to describe a specific type of artificial light source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicate its established place in the English lexicon. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term like "LED bulb" might be more appropriate. Remember that while "electric light bulb" is generally acceptable, avoiding overgeneralization will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light bulb

Omits the adjective "electric", implying the standard type of light bulb.

incandescent lamp

Uses a more technical term for the traditional type of electric light.

Edison bulb

Refers specifically to a type of decorative light bulb reminiscent of Edison's early designs.

filament bulb

Highlights the filament as the light-producing component.

artificial light source

Broadens the scope to include any non-natural source of illumination.

lighting fixture

Refers to the complete unit, including the bulb and its housing.

illuminating device

A more formal and general term for any device that provides light.

lamp

A simpler, more general term for a device providing light.

light-emitting diode

Uses the acronym related to the solid-state semiconductor that emits light.

glowing bulb

Emphasizes the appearance of the light bulb when it is lit.

FAQs

How to use "electric light bulb" in a sentence?

You can use "electric light bulb" in a sentence like: "The invention of the "electric light bulb" revolutionized indoor lighting".

What can I say instead of "electric light bulb"?

You can use alternatives like "light bulb", "incandescent lamp", or "filament bulb" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "electric light bulb" or "electrical light bulb"?

"Electric light bulb" is the more common and grammatically correct term. "Electrical light bulb" is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "electric light bulb" and "LED bulb"?

An ""electric light bulb"" generally refers to an incandescent lamp, while an "LED bulb" is a more modern lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes.