is illuminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is illuminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lit up or made visible, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The path ahead is illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The light is illuminated.

The New York Times

Everything is illuminated until 28 Apr.

Independent

Each is illuminated, both quiet and sacred.

Independent

His face is illuminated with joy.

The New York Times - Arts

The transducer investigated is illuminated stroboscopically.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Life is illuminated by parables, but conducted in messier stories.

The Washington Post

The green is illuminated, in waves, as the panels glow.

The Washington Post

Emma Bovary's character is illuminated in tailored glimpses.

The New York Times

The three-dimensional target configuration is illuminated by the chaser.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

At night, it is illuminated by in-ground lighting.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sinuous central staircase--constructed of steel and wood--is illuminated by a glass dome.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is illuminated" when you want to convey the idea of something being lit up, either literally or figuratively, suggesting clarity or enhanced visibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is illuminated" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "is lit" or "is bright" might be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is illuminated" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being where something receives light or becomes clearer, as shown in Ludwig's examples from news, science, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is illuminated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the idea of something being lit up, clarified, or highlighted in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While suitable for neutral to formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred for casual conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and diverse application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lit up

This alternative focuses on the physical aspect of being lit.

is lit

This is a shorter, more direct version of "is lit up".

is brightened

Implies making something brighter, similar to illuminating.

is highlighted

Emphasizes making something stand out, similar to illuminating in a figurative sense.

is clarified

Focuses on making something easier to understand, a more abstract sense of illuminating.

is elucidated

A more formal way of saying something is explained or clarified.

is revealed

Highlights the aspect of making something visible or known.

is made clear

Focuses on the clarity achieved, similar to the 'clarify' meaning of illuminate.

is spotlighted

Suggests direct and focused attention, like a spotlight.

is brought to light

Indicates revealing something previously hidden or unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "is illuminated" in a sentence?

You can use "is illuminated" to describe something that is physically lit, such as "The stage is illuminated by spotlights", or something that is made clearer or more understandable, such as "The complex issue is illuminated by new research".

What are some alternatives to "is illuminated"?

Alternatives to "is illuminated" include "is lit up", "is brightened", or "is clarified", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is illuminated" instead of "is lit"?

"Is illuminated" is generally more formal and can imply a sense of clarity or understanding, while "is lit" is more straightforward and focuses on the physical presence of light. Use "is illuminated" when the context requires a more sophisticated or metaphorical meaning.

What is the difference between "is illuminated" and "is enlightened"?

"Is illuminated" typically refers to something being lit up or made clearer, while "is enlightened" refers to someone gaining knowledge or understanding. While both can be used metaphorically, "is enlightened" always refers to an increase in knowledge or spiritual awareness, whereas "is illuminated" can refer to physical lighting.