flashes of genius

USAGE SUMMARY

"flashes of genius" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe moments of brilliance or inspiration. Example: The artist's work may not have been consistently outstanding, but there were flashes of genius in certain pieces that left a lasting impression on viewers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The flashes of genius are interspersed with the constant "Will they?

The Guardian - Sport

Lightning flashes of genius, lust and cruelty surge from the background shadows of poverty and oppression – as on one of his admired school-of-Merisi canvases.

Independent

With its flashes of genius and its intoxicating combination of creativity and excess, the '70s is not such a bad place to land.

The New York Times

They were whistled long and hard by their own crowd in Paris and yet everywhere they went they produced flashes of genius.

The Guardian - Sport

And at the heart of it all was Barnes, applying the flashes of genius to a Liverpool masterpiece that brought them within grasp of a 17th league title.

The Guardian - Sport

And so Nani ended a fitful United career, marked by flashes of genius but defined by the feeling that he never delivered on his potential.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

This showed a flash of genius.

The New York Times - Magazine

Flash of Genius, by John Seabrook (St. Martin's Griffin; $14.95).

The New Yorker

In 1941 it set the bar higher, requiring a "flash of genius".

The Economist

"I thought it was important to take this flash of genius and celebrate it".

The New York Times

Before that, an invention was supposed to exhibit a "flash of genius".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flashes of genius" to describe specific, noteworthy instances of exceptional creativity or insight, rather than general intelligence or skill.

Common error

Avoid using "flashes of genius" to describe ordinary or commonplace ideas. Reserve it for truly remarkable moments of insight or creativity to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flashes of genius" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI's examples show its use to describe instances of exceptional creativity or intelligence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

21%

Arts

11%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flashes of genius" is a noun phrase used to describe moments of exceptional insight or creativity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and arts. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for both analytical and descriptive writing. While versatile, it should be reserved for truly remarkable instances to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moments of brilliance

Focuses on the shining quality of the ideas.

bursts of inspiration

Emphasizes the sudden and energetic nature of the inventive thought.

strokes of insight

Highlights the penetrating understanding achieved.

peaks of creativity

Focuses on the creative aspect and the high points.

glimmers of brilliance

Suggests fleeting but noticeable moments of genius.

sparks of ingenuity

Emphasizes the clever and inventive quality of the ideas.

hints of genius

Implies subtle or understated moments of high intelligence.

instances of brilliance

Highlights specific occurrences of exceptional talent.

fleeting moments of inspiration

Emphasizes the transient nature of the insightful thought.

brief glimpses of brilliance

Focuses on the short-lived and revealing nature of the ingenuity.

FAQs

How can I use "flashes of genius" in a sentence?

You can use "flashes of genius" to describe sudden moments of brilliance or exceptional insight, such as, "The inventor's presentation included several "flashes of genius" that impressed the investors".

What are some alternatives to "flashes of genius"?

Alternatives include "moments of brilliance", "bursts of inspiration", or "strokes of insight" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a flash of genius" instead of "flashes of genius"?

Yes, "a "flash of genius"" refers to a single instance of brilliance, while "flashes of genius" refers to multiple instances.

What's the difference between "flashes of genius" and "moments of brilliance"?

While similar, ""moments of brilliance"" may refer to any display of exceptional skill or intelligence, whereas "flashes of genius" specifically highlight sudden, inventive insights.