first half of the eclipse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first half of the eclipse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the different phases or segments of an eclipse, particularly in astronomy or related contexts. Example: "During the first half of the eclipse, the moon gradually obscured the sun, creating a stunning visual effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the western Pacific, the first half of the eclipse occurred before moonrise.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in many ways the magnetic pacing of the first half of the program eclipsed that of the second; despite the same seamless transitions and a wonderful musical interlude, it was difficult for the company to regain its earlier momentum.

The New York Times - Arts

The Tigers were mediocre through the first half of the season, barely eclipsing.500 by the midway point.

The New York Times - Sports

But only for a few moments: before the first half of the program ended, the Vivaldi performances were eclipsed by "Son qual nave ch'agitata," a sizzlingly showy aria by Riccardo Broschi, composed for his brother, the castrato Farinelli.

The New York Times - Arts

After an eclipse during the first half of the 20th century, when erudition and distrust of elaborate style prevailed, the poetry of history was again praised by the most scrupulous practitioners of that discipline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many references to both solar and lunar eclipses in the first half of the 7th century bce are found among the divination reports to Assyrian kings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though his reputation was eclipsed in the first half of the 18th century, it enjoyed a spectacular revival later that century in the Neoclassical art of Jacques-Louis David and his followers and has remained high ever since.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just over 1 million viewers watched the first half of The Bridge double bill finale on BBC4 on Saturday, eclipsing Channel 4's US drama, Hostages.

The Guardian

Another small-cap value winner is Eclipse Small Cap Value Fund, which returned 6% in the quarter and 14% through the first half of the year.

Forbes

The bedrock of the internet economy, these companies have raised $1.4 billion in the first half of 2018, already eclipsing the $1.0 billion they received in all of 2017," the report states.

TechCrunch

VW became the top selling car maker in the world in the first half of 2015, eclipsing Toyota, but there is no telling how a hit to its reputation will weigh on sales.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing eclipses, specify the type (solar or lunar) to avoid ambiguity, as the "first half of the eclipse" could imply different visual phenomena depending on the type.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "first half of the eclipse" always refers to the same duration or visual effect. The duration and appearance can vary greatly depending on geographic location and the specific type of eclipse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first half of the eclipse" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject or object in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies a specific temporal segment of an astronomical event.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.3%

Encyclopedias

33.3%

Wiki

33.3%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first half of the eclipse" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the initial stages of an eclipse, as confirmed by Ludwig. Although relatively rare in general usage, its primary contexts are in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. The register is generally neutral to formal, fitting its common application in scientific and educational settings. When using the phrase, clarity can be enhanced by specifying the type of eclipse and avoiding assumptions about equal durations of the halves. Consider alternatives such as "early phase of the eclipse" for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Early phase of the eclipse

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the beginning of the eclipse.

Initial stage of the eclipse

Highlights the starting point in the sequence of the eclipse.

Beginning of the eclipse

Directly refers to the commencement of the eclipse event.

Opening moments of the eclipse

Emphasizes the very start of the eclipse experience.

First part of the eclipse event

Uses 'part' to describe the initial segment of the eclipse.

The eclipse's initial period

Describes the beginning as a time frame or duration.

Early portion of the eclipse

Uses 'portion' to denote a segment of the eclipse.

Inaugural phase of the eclipse

Uses a more formal term 'inaugural' to describe the starting phase.

The eclipse's starting point

Focuses on the origin or initiation of the eclipse.

Commencement of the eclipse

Highlights the formal beginning of the celestial event.

FAQs

How can I use "first half of the eclipse" in a sentence?

You can use "first half of the eclipse" to describe the initial stages of an eclipse. For example, "During the first half of the eclipse, the sky gradually darkened."

What is another way to say "first half of the eclipse"?

Alternatives include "early phase of the eclipse", "initial stage of the eclipse", or "beginning of the eclipse", depending on the context.

Does the duration of the "first half of the eclipse" always equal the second half?

No, the durations of the two halves are not necessarily equal. The specific characteristics of an eclipse depend on various astronomical factors.

What should I observe during the "first half of the eclipse"?

During the first half, observe the moon gradually covering the sun (in a solar eclipse) or the Earth's shadow progressively darkening the moon (in a lunar eclipse). Always use proper safety precautions when viewing a solar eclipse.