flash of electricity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of electricity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden burst of electrical energy or a moment of inspiration or realization. Example: "As she solved the complex problem, she felt a flash of electricity coursing through her, igniting her creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Here, too, a little flash of electricity would change them from see-through to opaque.

Forbes

He glances up and a sickly flash of electricity runs through me.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This opened up her vista and her palette; as Elisabeth Sussman, who co-curated the "I'll Be Your Mirror" retrospective, pointed out in her important catalogue essay, Goldin "discovered her color in flashes of electricity.

The New Yorker

Other political analysts noted that in every new administration, someone emerged as an ideological lightning rod, and that Mr. Bush managed to find a person for that role who actually survived all the flashes of electricity.

The New York Times

Commanders may use supersecret weapons that could flash millions of watts of electricity to cripple Iraqi computers and equipment, and literally turn off the lights in Baghdad if the campaign escalates to full-fledged combat.

The New York Times

Although some experimental weapons are expected to be used -- including high-powered microwave weapons that could flash millions of watts of electricity to cripple Iraqi computers and equipment -- the air campaign would shut down but not destroy important city services, like water and electricity, so they could more easily be restarted to minimize public health problems.

The New York Times

Something that could stretch everywhere and flash information along at the speed of electricity would be ideal.

The Guardian

This DIY solution uses a small breakout box with an IR sensor that senses an IR light that flashes when you've used a kilowatt hour of electricity.

TechCrunch

Conventional desalination systems (i.e., multistage flash, multi-effect dehumidification, and reverse osmosis) are expensive and also consume huge amount of electricity for their operation to produce drinking water.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

Electrophobia- Fear of electricity.

The New Yorker

Five green laws including decarbonisation of electricity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of electricity" to vividly describe a sudden, intense burst of electrical energy, whether literal or metaphorical, aiming for impactful imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of electricity" excessively in metaphorical contexts where a simpler term like "inspiration" or "excitement" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of electricity" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a sudden burst or instance of electrical energy. Ludwig provides examples where it describes both literal electrical phenomena and metaphorical experiences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of electricity" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden burst of electrical energy, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, although rare in occurrence. It appears most often in news and media, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, be mindful of context and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. As Ludwig AI indicates, while correct, ensure that it serves the intention of conveying something happening suddenly and with electrical intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discharge of electricity

Focuses on the release of stored electrical energy.

sudden spark of electricity

Emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the electrical event.

surge of power

Implies a strong and sudden influx of electrical energy.

electrical surge

Focuses on the sudden increase in electrical current, differing from a general burst of electricity.

flicker of electricity

Suggests a brief and unstable electrical discharge.

electric jolt

Highlights the physical sensation associated with a sudden electrical discharge.

arc of electricity

Describes the visible path of electrical discharge.

burst of energy

Broader term that can refer to any type of energy, not specifically electrical.

momentary illumination

Shifts the focus to the visual effect caused by electricity.

lightning strike

Refers specifically to a natural, high-energy electrical discharge.

FAQs

How can I use "flash of electricity" in a sentence?

You can use "flash of electricity" to describe a sudden burst of literal electrical energy, like "The device emitted a "flash of electricity"". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "She felt a "flash of electricity" when she understood the solution".

What phrases are similar to "flash of electricity"?

Similar phrases include "electrical surge", "burst of energy", or "electric jolt". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flash of electricity" a formal or informal expression?

"Flash of electricity" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It's appropriate for scientific descriptions as well as figurative language in creative writing.

What's the difference between "flash of electricity" and "flash of lightning"?

A "flash of lightning" specifically refers to a natural electrical discharge in the atmosphere. A "flash of electricity" is a more general term that can refer to any sudden burst of electrical energy, including artificial sources.