flicker of recognition

USAGE SUMMARY

"flicker of recognition" is a correct phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a moment where someone suddenly remembers or becomes familiar with something. For example, "When Sara heard the old woman's name, a flicker of recognition passed across her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There was a flicker of recognition.

The Guardian

When our eyes met, he gave no flicker of recognition.

The New York Times

That, and from time to time an anxious flicker of recognition — the eagle in the mirror".

The New Yorker

She displayed copies of the original Curtis photographs, hoping for a flicker of recognition.

The New York Times

But, any flicker of recognition of his name is probably because his aunt is L.P.G.A. Hall of Famer Pat Bradley.

The New York Times

It is possible to overstate these things, but the name Monks Dale will often prompt a haunted flicker of recognition from experienced Peakland walkers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

There is a mere flickering of recognition of tap dance as an art form.

The New Yorker

There are flickers of recognition of Palaszczuk in the bar and I overhear people explaining to their companions who she is.

The Guardian

As she sits at a sidewalk table at an Italian restaurant, there are a few flickers of recognition from the lunch crowd.

The New York Times

He's an enormously capable actor physically, but one can't help recalling the way Matt Damon offered little flickers of recognition and dismay as Bourne's memory came back in pieces.

The New Yorker

The depiction of Max's home life and his impulsive, aggressive behavior seem almost designed to provoke disapproval from some concerned, hypercritical party or another, even if those opening scenes of domestic chaos also elicit a flicker of pained recognition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flicker of recognition" to describe a brief, often subtle, moment of understanding or familiarity. It's particularly effective when portraying a character's delayed or incomplete recollection.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of recognition" when a more significant or obvious recognition is intended. The term implies subtlety and brevity; a stronger expression is needed for clear or immediate acknowledgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flicker of recognition" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a brief or subtle moment of acknowledgement or remembrance, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of recognition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that depicts a brief, often subtle, moment of acknowledgement or familiarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and descriptive phrase suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic and scientific writing. When writing, remember that "flicker of recognition" emphasizes the subtlety and brevity of the recognition, and it's essential to select a more robust phrase if a clearer or more significant recognition is intended. Alternatives such as "hint of recognition" or "trace of recognition" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of recognition

Changes the metaphor from a flickering light to a subtle hint.

trace of recognition

Replaces "flicker" with "trace", suggesting a very faint sign.

glimmer of recognition

Uses "glimmer" instead of "flicker", implying a brief, unsteady light.

shadow of recognition

Employs "shadow" to indicate a subtle and fleeting impression.

suggestion of recognition

Substitutes "flicker" with "suggestion", focusing on the implied sense of familiarity.

sign of recognition

Replaces "flicker" with "sign", making it a more direct indication.

vestige of recognition

Uses "vestige" to convey a remaining trace of acknowledgement.

semblance of recognition

Substitutes "flicker" with "semblance", implying an outward appearance.

whiff of recognition

Uses "whiff" to suggest a fleeting and subtle sense of familiarity.

fleeting recognition

Focuses on the transient nature of the recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "flicker of recognition" in a sentence?

You can use "flicker of recognition" to describe a brief moment when someone recognizes something or someone. For example, "A "flicker of recognition" crossed her face when she saw the old photograph."

What are some alternatives to "flicker of recognition"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hint of recognition", "trace of recognition", or "glimmer of recognition", all suggesting a subtle or brief moment of acknowledgement.

Is it appropriate to use "flicker of recognition" in formal writing?

Yes, "flicker of recognition" is suitable for formal writing. It is a descriptive phrase that can add nuance to your writing without being overly informal.

What does "flicker of recognition" imply about the recognition itself?

The phrase "flicker of recognition" implies that the recognition is brief, subtle, and perhaps not entirely complete. It suggests a fleeting moment of familiarity or understanding.