flash of lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

"flash of lightning" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to describe a sudden and bright burst of light in the sky during a storm. Example: The storm was intense, with heavy rain and strong winds, but the most frightening part was the occasional flash of lightning that lit up the dark sky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A flash of lightning.

The New Yorker

A blinding flash of lightning?

The Guardian - Music

It was like a flash of lightning".

The New York Times - Arts

There is a flash of lightning which outshines the daylight.

The New York Times

Another flash of lightning and another crack of thunder like the roar of a hungry tiger.

The New York Times

Each flash of lightning limns his bared teeth, the hollows of his eyes.

The New Yorker

Forget the idea that inspiration will come to you like a flash of lightning.

The Guardian

To these authors Rayo is indeed like a flash of lightning.

The New York Times - Books

First, "on the roof tree", a cock crows "In a flash of lightning".

The Guardian - Books

Just before ten o'clock a vivid flash of lightning was seen, and it was followed by a bomb-like thunderclap.

The New York Times

"You witness something, and it happens in a flash of lightning," Ms. Rothenberg said of these paintings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flash of lightning" to vividly describe a sudden, impactful event or realization, ensuring the context aligns with its connotations of suddenness and power.

Common error

Avoid using "flash of lightning" excessively in contexts where the suddenness or intensity isn't truly significant; overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for more nuanced descriptions for gradual or less dramatic events.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flash of lightning" is that of a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a sudden burst of light in the sky. Ludwig AI confirms this usage pattern with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flash of lightning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a sudden burst of light, literally or figuratively, and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it’s important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in non-literal situations to maintain its impactful effect. Remember also that "lightning" (electrical discharge) is different from "lightening" (becoming lighter). With its vivid imagery, "flash of lightning" adds color and impact to writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lightning flash

Reverses the order of the nouns while maintaining the core meaning.

bolt of lightning

Emphasizes the shape and intensity of the lightning.

lightning strike

Focuses on the action of the lightning hitting a surface rather than the visual effect.

electrical discharge

Provides a more scientific and technical description.

sudden illumination

Shifts focus to the effect of sudden brightening.

burst of light

Generalizes the concept to any sudden light emission.

instantaneous spark

Highlights the brief and energetic nature of the event.

moment of clarity

Metaphorically represents a sudden understanding or insight.

fleeting glimpse

Focuses on the brief duration of the visual experience.

epiphany

Represents a sudden realization or revelation.

FAQs

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

You can use "flash of lightning" to describe a literal occurrence during a storm, such as "A "flash of lightning" lit up the sky." Alternatively, it can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden idea or event.

What are some alternatives to "flash of lightning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "lightning flash", "bolt of lightning", or, metaphorically, "moment of clarity".

Is it correct to say "flash of lightening" instead of "flash of lightning"?

"Lightening" refers to the process of becoming lighter, while "lightning" is the atmospheric discharge of electricity. Therefore, "flash of lightning" is the correct phrase.

What does it mean when someone describes an idea as a "flash of lightning"?

When an idea is described as a ""flash of lightning"", it suggests that the idea came suddenly, unexpectedly, and with great clarity or impact.