flicker of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flicker of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or faint indication of an emotion, thought, or idea. Example: "As she spoke about her dreams, I noticed a flicker of something in her eyes, a hint of hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Somewhere at the lower end of the top 20, there are flickers of something happening; the Beatles are singing Love Me Do and Phil Spector's Wall of Sound is arguably reaching its zenith on the Crystals' peerless He's a Rebel.

The Guardian - Music

For all you doubters, this is a simple case of legacy in action (albeit with elephantine footwork and an infuriating neurological inability to get my hand back to my face after punching): what was a flicker of a thought, something I almost certainly would never actually do, has become a reality, and all because of London 2012.

The Guardian - Sport

In the midst of all our trials and challenges, there was always a flicker of hope--something or someone waiting to be discovered--that kept us forging ahead.

Huffington Post

Two albums in, and One Direction has barely shown a flicker of interest in doing something beyond riding this particular merry-go-round.

The New York Times - Arts

That led to a quiet song called "Wait for Me," which had flickers of Randy Newman wit, something that pops up a lot in Ms. Weiss's songwriting, which often relies on cheeky turns of phrase ("I hate to say I like the way you love to lead me on," and so on).

The New York Times - Arts

Best of all, Terkel liked the ghost-town storekeeper in Kentucky who says: "The last flicker of my life will be against something I don't think has to be".

The Guardian

"The first time I moved my hand, I had that flicker of hope knowing that this is something that's working, I will be able to use my hand again.

The Guardian

While a steady light will not scare lions, flickering lights from multiple sources confuses them, and indicates the presence of something larger than them, making it a risk "not worth taking".

BBC

Suddenly, flickering before you, is a filmed image of late-vintage Mr. Gray dancing on a stage, and you feel the deep, lonely ache of something precious lost.

The New York Times

But for many the flicker of thought through the eyes before it resolves into something more polite is clearly just why?

Huffington Post

Is there something about bright jerseys and flashing skates and the cursorlike flicker of a puck skittering back and forth on the glittering ice?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, "flicker of something" can provide a relatable, sensory image. For example, "a flicker of hope" makes the abstract emotion more tangible.

Common error

Avoid using "flicker of something" when a more precise or impactful word would better convey the intended meaning. Sometimes, a more direct description is more effective.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "flicker of something" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a faint or momentary indication of something, whether it's an emotion, idea, or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flicker of something" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe a brief or faint indication of an emotion, thought, or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, and it's frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "hint of something" or "glimmer of something" exist, "flicker of something" offers a unique nuance, suggesting a momentary and often unsteady indication. When employing this phrase, consider the subtlety you wish to convey and avoid overuse in place of more direct or impactful terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of something

Substitutes "flicker" with "hint", emphasizing a subtle indication.

trace of something

Replaces "flicker" with "trace", suggesting a faint sign or vestige.

glimmer of something

Uses "glimmer" instead of "flicker", implying a faint and unsteady light or indication.

suggestion of something

Employs "suggestion" to convey a subtle indication or possibility.

shade of something

Replaces "flicker" with "shade", suggesting a subtle variation or degree.

tinge of something

Uses "tinge" to indicate a slight coloring or influence.

whisper of something

Substitutes "flicker" with "whisper", suggesting a faint or barely perceptible indication.

semblance of something

Replaces "flicker" with "semblance", conveying an outward appearance or imitation.

touch of something

Uses "touch" to indicate a slight amount or influence.

vestige of something

Substitutes "flicker" with "vestige", suggesting a remaining trace or sign.

FAQs

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

You can use "flicker of something" to describe a brief or faint indication of an emotion, thought, or quality. For example, "I saw a "flicker of hope" in her eyes when she heard the news".

What's a good alternative to "flicker of something"?

Alternatives include "hint of something", "glimmer of something", or "trace of something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flicker of something" formal or informal?

"Flicker of something" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. It's commonly used in news articles, literature, and everyday conversation.

How does "flicker of something" differ from "spark of something"?

"Flicker of something" implies a brief and unsteady indication, while "spark of something" suggests a sudden and energetic beginning. "Flicker" is more transient, while "spark" implies potential for growth.