is illuminated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is illuminated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lit up or made clearer by a source of light or understanding. Example: "The path is illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights, guiding the way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

"Quite a lot of the debate is illuminated by opinions, this provides some much-needed data".

The Guardian

It's won awards for its design, and at night is illuminated by coloured lights.

The Guardian - Travel

The room is illuminated by a chandelier garlanded with brass leaves.

The New York Times

His journey is illuminated by the facts Bryson sprinkles throughout the book.

Independent

A lone baker's face is illuminated by the earthy glow of his cavernous wood-fired oven.

The Economist

What that process can achieve is illuminated by another Carling story.

The Guardian - Business

As darkness arrives, the patio is illuminated by lantern-style lights on the building and tiki torches along the fence.

The New York Times

This area is illuminated by a group of 1958 bell-shaped Venini chandeliers that he inherited from his grandparents.

The New York Times

In his painting The Education of the Virgin (1640) a book is illuminated by a single candle flame.

The Guardian - Arts

A transparent acrylic sheet is illuminated by a number of infra-red light sources placed around its edges.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is illuminated by", ensure the source of illumination is clearly defined to enhance clarity and impact. For example, specify whether a room is illuminated by "natural light", "artificial light", or a "specific source of light".

Common error

Avoid using "is illuminated by" without specifying what is providing the illumination. For example, instead of "The path is illuminated", use "The path is illuminated by streetlights" to provide a clearer and more informative description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is illuminated by" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject receives light or clarification from an external source. As shown by Ludwig, it highlights the effect of an agent on a receiver, either literally or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is illuminated by" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression, functioning as a passive construction to describe both physical lighting and conceptual clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As evidenced by numerous examples, it is commonly used in scientific and news-related content, indicating its formal to neutral register. To ensure clarity and impact, specify the source of illumination whenever using this phrase. "Is lit by" serves as a more direct alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lit by

Focuses on the physical act of being lit, offering a more direct alternative.

is lit up by

Emphasizes the enhancement and visual aspect of being lit.

is brightened by

Similar to 'is lit by', but highlights an increase in brightness.

is highlighted by

Shifts the focus to something being emphasized or made more prominent.

is revealed by

Indicates that something is being uncovered or made known.

is clarified by

Suggests that something is made easier to understand through another element.

is explained by

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship where something becomes understandable due to another factor.

is made clear by

Expresses that something gains clarity through something else.

is enhanced by

Suggests that something is improved or augmented by another element.

is informed by

Emphasizes the influence of a source on something else, providing context or understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "is illuminated by" to describe how something is being lit or clarified. For example, "The manuscript "is illuminated by" new evidence" or "The room "is illuminated by" a chandelier".

What are some alternatives to "is illuminated by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is lit by", "is brightened by", or "is revealed by", depending on the specific context and meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is lit by" or "is illuminated by"?

"Is lit by" is a more direct and simple way to express the idea of something being lit. "Is illuminated by" is more formal and often suggests a more significant or profound lighting effect.

When should I use "is illuminated by" figuratively?

Use "is illuminated by" figuratively when you want to describe how something is clarified or made understandable through new information or insights. For example, "The problem "is illuminated by" recent research".