in direct sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in direct sun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exposed to sunlight without any obstruction. Example: "The paint on the fence faded quickly when left in direct sun for too long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

(These black-and-white models also look fantastic in direct sun — now you get the best of both lighting conditions).

The New York Times - Tech

I dialed into conference lines wearing a sandy bathing suit in a car parked in direct sun.

The New York Times

The screen is bright and clear even in direct sun, but you wind up having to leave it turned on all the time.

The New York Times - Tech

You mentioned indoor irrigation, so I imagine if these are all indoor and not in direct sun, two to three days away without watering is fine.

The New York Times

How long does one need to stay in direct sun to absorb 2,000 I.U. of D, your ideal daily dose?

The New York Times - Magazine

President Edmund King wrote on Twitter: "Some road surfaces can melt at 50C so if weather hits 30s the ground temp in direct sun can hit 50.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But, for example, lie naked in direct sunlight without sun protection for 10 years, smoke 100 cigarettes a day for 15 years, or actively become overweight and don't exercise for 30 years, it's safe to say that you could be putting yourself at unnecessary risk.

The Guardian

Never set your plant in direct sunlight as the sun will bleach the plant's leaves.

WikiHow

Compared to underground nests, mounds absorb heat more quickly both in the direct sun and in the shade.

F1000Research

You set the Sun jar, which looks like a sun jar to make sun tea, anywhere outside in direct sunlight so it can collect light all day.

WikiHow

I watch you eating your oatmeal, oh and how precious, you're adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries, and meanwhile, I am sittin' here in HELL, sweatin' it out in the direct sun, getting fried like a Frito-Lay.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing plant care, specify the duration of exposure to "in direct sun" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "These succulents thrive with at least six hours in direct sun each day."

Common error

Avoid using "in direct sun" when you mean bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch some plants, while others need it to thrive. Use "in direct sun" only when referring to unobstructed sunlight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in direct sun" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location or condition where an action occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates exposure to sunlight without obstruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in direct sun" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that denotes exposure to unobstructed sunlight. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered usable and correct in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, with a neutral level of formality. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish between direct sunlight and indirect light and always consider the specific context when using this phrase. Alternative phrases like "under direct sunlight" or "exposed to direct sunlight" offer subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under direct sunlight

Replaces "sun" with the more formal "sunlight" and uses "under" instead of "in".

exposed to direct sunlight

Highlights the state of being exposed, using a more descriptive verb.

in direct sunshine

Substitutes "sun" with "sunshine", evoking a slightly warmer connotation.

under the direct rays of the sun

Expands on the concept with a more detailed and descriptive phrase.

directly sunlit

Converts the phrase into a single adjective, useful in descriptive contexts.

in unshaded sunlight

Emphasizes the lack of shade, clarifying the type of sunlight exposure.

receiving direct sun

Focuses on the act of receiving sunlight directly, useful for describing plants or objects.

bathed in direct sunlight

Uses a more evocative verb to describe the intensity of the sunlight.

in the full glare of the sun

Highlights the intensity and potential discomfort of the sunlight.

subject to direct solar radiation

A more technical and scientific phrasing, suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "in direct sun" in a sentence?

You can use "in direct sun" to describe something exposed to sunlight without any obstruction, such as, "The best way to dry the tomatoes is to place them "in direct sun"."

What is the difference between "in direct sun" and "in direct sunlight"?

The phrases "in direct sun" and "in direct sunlight" are largely interchangeable. "Sunlight" is slightly more formal, but both convey the same meaning: exposure to unobstructed solar rays.

When should I avoid being "in direct sun"?

It is generally recommended to avoid being "in direct sun" during peak hours (11 am to 3 pm), especially without sun protection, to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Is "in direct sun" grammatically correct?

Yes, "in direct sun" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a prepositional phrase describing a location or condition, and its meaning is widely understood. Ludwig AI confirms this.