glowing like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'glowing like' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is emitting a bright light. For example, "The stars were glowing like beacons in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They nestle right up against the roadway, glowing like a string of Christmas lights.

The New Yorker

It bounced along beside her, glowing like the moon, and struck a tree.

The Economist

Clusters of teenagers begin to gather, their cigarette tips glowing like fireflies.

The New York Times

The orb is now glowing like the official ball of the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't hurt to have a bowl of Sevilles on the counter, glowing like lanterns.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Boulders glowing like hot coals tumbled down the nearby mountain of Saronsberg.

The New York Times - Travel

iPhones were everywhere, glowing, like the Cheshire cat's smile — disembodied, floating.

The New Yorker

The beads on her dress, glowing like redcurrants, recede into mist.

The Guardian - Arts

A cat walked through, her claws making sounds like tiny high heels on the linoleum, her coat glowing like mink.

The New York Times

A heat shield along the bottom, made of phenolic carbon, incinerates as it falls, glowing like a miniature sun.

The New Yorker

At dusk, the valley grew dark except for the lights from a few ger camps glowing like strings of pearls.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "glowing like", ensure the comparison is vivid and relevant. For example, "Her face was glowing like a sunrise" creates a strong image of warmth and happiness.

Common error

While effective, "glowing like" can become cliché if overused. Vary your descriptions with synonyms such as "shining like" or more specific comparisons related to the context to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival simile. It functions as a descriptive phrase, enhancing the imagery of a scene or object by comparing its luminance to a known source of light. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe something that is emitting a bright light.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glowing like" is a common and effective way to describe something emitting light or radiance, often evoking a sense of beauty or wonder. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in the realm of News & Media. This construction typically functions as an adjectival simile, enhancing descriptions by comparing a subject's luminance to something well-known for its light-emitting properties. To maintain freshness and impact in your writing, consider varying your descriptions using synonyms such as "shining like" or more context-specific comparisons. By using this phrase thoughtfully, you can create vivid and memorable images in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shining like

Replaces "glowing" with "shining", emphasizing a brighter, more direct light emission.

bright as

A simpler, more direct comparison focusing on the level of illumination.

radiating like

Emphasizes the emission of energy or warmth, not just light, from the source.

gleaming like

Suggests a softer, reflected light rather than a direct emission.

luminous as

Highlights the capacity to emit light, often with a soft or ethereal quality.

illuminated like

Focuses on the effect of light making something visible, rather than the source of light.

sparkling like

Suggests small points of flickering light.

effulgent as

A more formal and literary alternative, suggesting a brilliant and radiant light.

resplendent as

Emphasizes beauty and splendor in addition to brightness.

vibrant like

Shifts the focus from light to general intensity and liveliness.

FAQs

What does "glowing like" mean?

The phrase "glowing like" is used to describe something that emits light or has a radiant appearance, often in a way that is pleasing or striking. It's a simile used to create a vivid image.

What can I say instead of "glowing like"?

You can use alternatives like "shining like", "radiating like", or "gleaming like" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "glowing like" in a sentence?

Use "glowing like" to compare the subject to something that emits light or has a radiant quality. For example, "The city lights were glowing like stars in the dark sky."

What's the difference between "glowing like" and "burning like"?

"Glowing like" suggests a softer, often gentler light, while "burning like" implies intense heat and potentially destructive energy. The choice depends on the specific image you want to evoke.