glimpse of sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of sunlight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a momentary sighting of sunshine. For example, "After days of rain, we were finally rewarded with a brief glimpse of sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The last glimpse of sunlight as it disappears behind the moon looks like a diamond ring.

The New York Times - Science

We have all made the mistake of seeing a glimpse of sunlight and immediately ditching the trousers for some shorts and sliding sunglasses on.

Independent

But the ordeal is far from over and officials said it was likely to be Wednesday at the earliest before the miners catch their first glimpse of sunlight and breath of fresh air.

The New York Times

In other words, financial markets tend to stage stealthy rallies precisely when everyone is caught up in large-scale anxiety attacks of precisely this kind, unable to see any glimpse of sunlight at the end of the tunnel at all.

The Guardian - Business

It unspools at a languid southern pace, marvelling in the glimpse of sunlight through venetian blinds and exploring the nature of faith and human existence as it applies to death row and the cage of our minds, resulting in moments that have touches of Terrence Malick or laced with David Lynch's small-town surrealism.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His clubbing forehand carried threat and, with Djokovic frustrated, he saw glimpses of sunlight.

The Guardian - Sport

Traditional casinos banished clocks and any glimpses of sunlight, to make gamblers lose track of the hours.

The New Yorker

Markets, customers, investors and other stakeholders have all grown tired of learning about the misdeeds of large organizations during rare glimpses of sunlight that creeps through the crevices.

Forbes

"Our government lies". The disclosures have come out as glimpses of sunlight in the secrecy shadowing the trial.

HuffPost

Through a half-open doorway I caught a glimpse of an electric-blue courtyard picked out by a shaft of sunlight.

The Guardian - Travel

The angle of sunlight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glimpse of sunlight" to evoke a sense of hope or momentary relief in otherwise dark or gloomy situations. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of sunlight" in overly sentimental or predictable contexts. Instead, strive for fresh and original imagery to make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of sunlight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a momentary or partial view of the sun's light. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, citing examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse of sunlight" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a brief or partial view of sunlight, often used to symbolize hope or momentary relief. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English. While the phrase is not overly common, appearing with "Uncommon" frequency, its usage spans across various contexts, especially in news media. To enhance writing, avoid clichés and aim for original imagery when using this evocative phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ray of sunlight

Focuses on a single beam rather than a general sighting.

shaft of sunlight

Emphasizes the form and direction of the sunlight.

patch of sunlight

Highlights a specific area illuminated by the sun.

fleeting sunlight

Stresses the brief duration of the sunlight.

momentary sunlight

Similar to 'fleeting sunlight', emphasizing the short duration.

brief sunlight

A simple way to indicate a short period of sunlight.

hint of sunlight

Suggests a subtle or weak presence of sunlight.

trace of sunlight

Implies a very small amount of sunlight.

streak of sunlight

Describes a linear appearance of sunlight.

burst of sunlight

Highlights a sudden and intense appearance of sunlight.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of sunlight" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of sunlight" to describe a brief or partial view of the sun, like "After the storm, we saw a "glimpse of sunlight"." It can also be used metaphorically to represent hope or positivity.

What can I say instead of "glimpse of sunlight"?

Alternatives include "ray of sunlight", "shaft of sunlight", or "patch of sunlight", depending on the specific image you want to create.

Is "glimpse of sunlight" a cliché?

While "glimpse of sunlight" is a common phrase, it is not inherently a cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context and originality of its use. Try to use it in fresh and unexpected ways to avoid sounding trite.

What does "glimpse of sunlight" symbolize?

The phrase can symbolize hope, optimism, or a brief moment of clarity in a difficult situation. It can also represent something fleeting or elusive.