glowed like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glowed like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to create similes that describe something emitting light or having a bright appearance, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The stars glowed like diamonds scattered across the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thornton added chunks of compressed melon; they glowed like moonstones.

The New Yorker

Her high A-flats glowed like searchlights in fog.

The New Yorker

It glowed like something living amid the grey beeping machines.

The Guardian - Books

Their robes glowed like amber against the marble dais.

The Guardian

In the window an enormous freezer glowed like a treasure chest in a commercial.

The New Yorker

Down the road the yellow lights of a farmhouse glowed like portals.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The name glows like the moon.

The New Yorker

At best, it glows like sunstruck plaster.

The New Yorker

His skin glows like butterscotch.

The Guardian - Film

At night it glows like honeycomb.

The Guardian - Travel

"It glows like a ghost in the moonlight".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glowed like" to create vivid similes that evoke a sense of gentle, warm light or radiance, particularly when describing emotional states or natural phenomena.

Common error

Avoid using "glowed like" in technical or scientific writing where precise descriptions of light emission are required. Instead, opt for more specific terms like "emitted" or "reflected" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glowed like" functions primarily as a simile, comparing the appearance of something to a source of light or radiance. It enhances descriptions by creating vivid imagery. Ludwig examples show its use in describing diverse subjects, from eyes to city skylines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "glowed like" is a grammatically sound and frequently used simile, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to create vivid imagery by comparing a subject to a source of light. With a neutral register, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While "glowed like" is acceptable, writers should consider alternatives like "shone like" or "radiated like" to achieve different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shone like

Emphasizes a steady and bright light, differing from "glowed like" in its intensity and steadiness.

radiated like

Suggests a spreading of light or energy, implying a more active emission than "glowed like".

gleamed like

Implies a reflected light, creating a shimmering effect, which is a more specific type of brightness than "glowed like".

sparkled like

Conveys a sense of intermittent or flickering light, unlike the more constant illumination suggested by "glowed like".

glimmered like

Indicates a faint or wavering light, suggesting a weaker intensity compared to "glowed like".

luminesced like

Suggests the emission of light without heat, often associated with natural phenomena, offering a scientific tone absent in "glowed like".

illuminated like

Highlights the act of providing light to something, focusing on the effect of the light rather than the light itself, differing from the descriptive nature of "glowed like".

blazed like

Conveys a strong, intense, and often uncontrolled light, carrying a higher degree of energy than "glowed like".

refulgent as

Uses a more formal and literary term for shining brightly, differing significantly in register from "glowed like".

effulgent like

Implies a radiant splendor, a higher degree of brightness and magnificence than "glowed like".

FAQs

How can I use "glowed like" in a sentence?

You can use "glowed like" to compare something to a source of light, such as "Her eyes "glowed like embers" in the dim light" or "The city skyline "glowed like a jewel" at night".

What are some alternatives to "glowed like"?

Alternatives include "shone like", "radiated like", or "gleamed like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "glowed like" too informal for academic writing?

While "glowed like" is generally acceptable, it might be considered less formal. For academic writing, consider more precise and descriptive language unless you're intentionally using figurative language for effect.

What's the difference between "glowed like" and "shone like"?

"Glowed like" suggests a softer, more diffused light, while "shone like" implies a brighter, more intense light. The choice depends on the specific visual effect you want to create.