flash of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of light" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and brief burst of light, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Some examples of when you might use this phrase include: - In a story: "As she walked through the dark forest, a flash of light illuminated the path ahead." - In a scientific description: "The experiment produced a flash of light, revealing the hidden object." - In a metaphor: "The sudden realization was like a flash of light in a dark room, illuminating everything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snap, a flash of light.

The New Yorker

"So it wasn't like a blinding flash of light.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then a tremendous flash of light cut across the sky.

The New Yorker

In Starlab's case, the recipient perceived a flash of light.

MIT Technology Review

Failures, as Steffens hoped, have been illuminating, but after each flash of light, darkness has prevailed.

The Washington Post

Strangely enough, the flash of light was not green like the edges of the jellyfish.

Princeton University

This past April, an incredibly bright flash of light burst from near the constellation Leo.

Stanford University

A flash of light depicts the supernova explosion, followed by expansion of the subsequent blast wave.

Harvard University

One culminates in a golden hand that meets another hand in a flash of light.

The New York Times - Arts

Stun grenades Stun grenades send out a bright flash of light which slows and disorients opponents.

The Guardian - Tech

A blinding flash of light was followed by a tremendous boom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of light" to describe sudden, brief illuminations, whether literal (like a camera flash) or figurative (like a sudden insight).

Common error

Avoid using "flash of light" too frequently in metaphorical contexts. Overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for more specific imagery depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It names a phenomenon—a sudden and brief burst of light. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flash of light" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a sudden burst of light, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously in metaphorical contexts to avoid diluting its impact. Semantically related alternatives include "burst of light", "sudden illumination", and "brief gleam", each offering a slightly different nuance. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst of light

Replaces "flash" with "burst", emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of the light.

sudden illumination

Focuses on the effect of the light, highlighting the act of lighting up something quickly.

brief gleam

Emphasizes the shortness and faintness of the light.

momentary radiance

Highlights the temporary and radiant nature of the light.

fleeting shimmer

Suggests a quick and wavering light.

quick flare

Similar to flash but implies a more intense and uncontrolled burst.

spark of luminosity

Highlights the radiant quality and small size of the light.

blinding glare

Emphasizes the intense and overwhelming aspect of the light.

radiant pulse

Focuses on the rhythmic and energetic nature of the light.

ephemeral glow

Highlights the short-lived and gentle nature of the light.

FAQs

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

You can use "flash of light" to describe a sudden burst of illumination, as in "A "flash of light" revealed the object" or metaphorically, as in "The idea came to him in a "flash of light"".

What are some alternatives to "flash of light"?

Some alternatives include "burst of light", "sudden illumination", or "brief gleam", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a flash of lighting" instead of "flash of light"?

"Flash of lighting" is less common and typically refers specifically to lightning. "Flash of light" is a more general term that can encompass various sources of sudden illumination.

What's the difference between "flash of light" and "fleeting moment"?

"Flash of light" refers specifically to a burst of illumination, whereas "fleeting moment" refers to a brief period of time. While a "flash of light" can occur in a "fleeting moment", the two phrases describe different phenomena.