from a prism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a prism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing light, optics, or metaphorical interpretations that involve perspectives or viewpoints. Example: "The colors of the rainbow can be seen when light is refracted from a prism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And he combined this precision with sharp, almost military tailoring, or prints that suggested shards of light exploding from a prism.

The New York Times

The firestorm made McIlroy aware that his decision might be seen differently by those viewing it from a prism that does not reflect his own experience of growing up in a more peaceful Northern Ireland.

The New York Times - Sports

Most enterprises approach communication from a "Prism of Me," as opposed to a "Prism of Value".

Huffington Post

The public often views medical research from a prism of giant breakthroughs that lead to treatments or cures.

Huffington Post

They regularly get outside their comfort zone and tend to view life from a prism of what is possible versus what isn't and why.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Smithson seemed to glimpse the entire state through a prism: "From the shiny chrome diners to glass windows of shopping centers, a sense of the crystalline prevails".

The New York Times - Arts

As if to clarify, Bartov likens his book to "a hall of mirrors wherein repeated images, seen from different angles, provide a prism through which we can distill a clearer understanding of the origins, nature and impact of the atrocity that occurred in the heart of our civilization".

The New York Times - Books

"What's really motivating is you get to experience the company from a different prism.

The New York Times

After she performed it, she recited some of it far more slowly to let it sink in: Modernism has created modern prisons Neo-McCarthyisms, new colonialisms Pessimism mess they is in Hoodooism, hypnotism, egoism, realism, humanism, legalism Mysticism makes decisions from a purer prism.

The New York Times - Arts

In L and offretite gallosilicates, there is evidence for back migration of Cu II) from a hexagonal prism into a main channel to coordinate with adsorbates.

Catalysis Today

Time frequency analysis of the dynamics of different wake vorticity structures, generated from a triangular prism orientated with its apex edge against the incoming wind, is carried out.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from a prism" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being viewed or interpreted and what aspect of the prism (e.g., refraction, perspective) is relevant to the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "from a prism" when a simpler expression of perspective would suffice. The phrase is effective when highlighting distortion or a unique viewpoint, not just any viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a prism" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It indicates the standpoint or perspective from which something is observed or understood. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from a prism" functions as a prepositional phrase suggesting a particular viewpoint or perspective that influences understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While not overly common, it frequently appears in news and media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the subject being viewed and the relevant aspect of the prism metaphor (refraction, distortion) to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through a prism

Replaces 'from' with 'through', emphasizing the action of looking or passing through the prism.

viewed through a prism

Adds the verb 'viewed' to explicitly state that something is being observed from a specific perspective.

seen from a particular angle

Emphasizes a specific viewpoint or perspective without explicitly mentioning a prism.

through the lens of

Uses 'lens' as a metaphor for a specific viewpoint or perspective.

from a specific perspective

Replaces the 'prism' metaphor with a more general term, emphasizing the viewpoint.

as refracted by a prism

Highlights the act of refraction, suggesting a distorted or altered view.

through the refraction of a prism

Similar to the above, but emphasizes the process of refraction.

under the influence of

Suggests that something is being affected or altered by a specific viewpoint or factor.

from a distinct viewpoint

Highlights a unique or different viewpoint.

with a particular slant

Indicates a biased or skewed perspective.

FAQs

What does it mean to view something "from a prism"?

Viewing something "from a prism" means examining it through a particular perspective that may alter or distort the perception, similar to how a prism refracts light. It implies a nuanced or skewed understanding.

How can I use "from a prism" in a sentence?

You can use "from a prism" to describe how someone's background or beliefs influence their interpretation of events. For example, "He viewed the political debate "through the lens of" his conservative upbringing."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "from a prism"?

Some alternatives include "through a lens", "from a perspective", or "through the eyes of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "through a prism" instead of "from a prism"?

Both "from a prism" and "through a prism" can be correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "From a prism" suggests the source of the altered view, while "through a prism" emphasizes the process of viewing.