in direct sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"in direct sunlight" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing a location or situation where something or someone is exposed to direct light from the sun. Example: The flowers in the garden flourished in direct sunlight, their petals glistening in the bright rays.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do not load in direct sunlight.

WikiHow

They're visible in direct sunlight.

The New Yorker

You can't read well in direct sunlight.

The New York Times - Tech

In direct sunlight, its plush tail seemed almost blonde.

The New York Times - Magazine

In direct sunlight, the grass was 100 degrees.

The New York Times

Lewis does not to thrive in direct sunlight.

The New York Times - Sports

The screen is bright enough to read even in direct sunlight.

The Guardian - Tech

He said that the color on the screen did not bleach in direct sunlight.

The New York Times

A black cotton shirt in direct sunlight had a surface temperature of 125 degrees.

The New York Times

It is also not quite bright enough to read without squinting in direct sunlight.

The Guardian - Tech

As God is my witness, I'll never plant impatiens in direct sunlight again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing plant care, specify whether a plant needs to be "in direct sunlight" for optimal growth, or if indirect light is preferable.

Common error

Avoid assuming all objects or materials react positively to "in direct sunlight". Some items may fade, overheat, or degrade under prolonged exposure. Always consider the specific properties of the item you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in direct sunlight" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the location or condition of an action or state. Ludwig examples show how the phrase is used to describe where something is situated or where an action takes place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

54%

News & Media

44%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in direct sunlight" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the condition of being exposed to unimpeded rays from the sun. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is adverbial, providing environmental information about the location or circumstance. From plant care guides to warnings about material degradation, "in direct sunlight" appears in diverse contexts, predominantly across Wiki and News & Media sources. While often used neutrally, it's crucial to consider potential negative implications of direct sunlight, such as overheating or fading, ensuring specificity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under direct sun

Focuses on being under the sun directly, implying a more immediate experience.

exposed to direct sunlight

Emphasizes the state of being exposed, suitable when highlighting vulnerability or effect.

in full sun

A more concise way to indicate a location receiving maximum sunlight.

receiving direct sunlight

Focuses on the act of receiving sunlight, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

direct sun exposure

A noun phrase emphasizing the act of being exposed.

basking in direct sunlight

Adds a sense of enjoyment or passive reception of the sun's rays.

in the sun's direct glare

Highlights the intensity and potential discomfort of the sunlight.

sun-drenched location

Describes a place saturated with sunlight, often used in descriptive writing.

brightly lit by the sun

Focuses on the quality of light provided by the sun, emphasizing brightness.

sunlit area

A general term for any area illuminated by the sun.

FAQs

What does it mean when something should be placed "in direct sunlight"?

It means the object or organism, especially a plant, should be positioned where it can receive unobstructed light from the sun for a significant portion of the day.

What are the benefits of drying clothes "in direct sun"?

Drying clothes "in direct sun" can help to naturally bleach and disinfect them, thanks to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is especially useful for whitening white fabrics.

When is it harmful to be "in direct sunlight"?

Prolonged exposure "in direct sunlight" can be harmful to humans, increasing the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and heatstroke. Certain materials can also degrade or overheat.

Which is more intense, being "in direct sunlight" or "in indirect sunlight"?

Being "in direct sunlight" is much more intense, as it involves exposure to the sun's rays without any form of obstruction or filtration, unlike "in indirect sunlight".