last rays of sun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last rays of sun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sun's setting in a particularly beautiful and memorable way. For example: "The sky turned a brilliant shade of pink and orange as the last rays of sun drifted away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The last rays of sun lit the spot: a perfect reward after a long drive and a healthy walk.

The New Yorker

In the piazza, flat-capped farmers, swept into corners by the last rays of sun, gather to talk and smoke.

The Guardian - Travel

The heated terrace and wide beer selection at La Marmotte D'Or make it perfect for enjoying the last rays of sun after a hard day on the hill.

The Guardian - Travel

At sunset, when the wind ruffles those grasses and the last rays of sun cross the yard, Mr. Mountsier sits on his chaise to enjoy the view.

The New York Times

I climbed the final few feet to the top of the slope and turned around just in time to watch the last rays of sun set the town of Adams aglow, 2,000 feet below.

The New York Times - Travel

The story tells of an elderly priest who leads a group of blind people from their asylum to explore the isolated island where they live and enjoy some last rays of sun before winter sets in.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We caught the last rays of the sun, danced, rolled on the floor".

The New Yorker

I went to my room and looked up at the mountains, their snowy peaks blushing scarlet with the last rays of the sun.

The Guardian - Travel

He points to the north where the last rays of the sun cast a blue veil over hills of desiccated bamboo, shabby tea bushes and denuded, smouldering forests.

The Economist

From the steep ridge on which we balanced, we watched the last rays of the sun bathing the Mont Blanc range in golden light, while immediately south were the jagged towers and rock faces of 3,051m Aiguille de Fruit.

The Guardian - Travel

We step from the shower onto a private terrace and, sipping icy beer, drip dry in the last rays of the sun, as the steep canyon below us disappears in shadow.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last rays of sun" to evoke a sense of peace, closure, or the beauty of a fleeting moment. It works well in descriptive writing and poetry.

Common error

While evocative, avoid using "last rays of sun" too frequently in your writing. Vary your descriptions of sunset with alternatives like "twilight hours" or "fading sunlight" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last rays of sun" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, providing vivid detail about a setting or scene, often associated with the close of day. Ludwig confirms its proper use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last rays of sun" is a descriptive noun phrase used to depict the fading light at sunset, often evoking feelings of peace or nostalgia. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalent use in News & Media, as well as its suitability for literary and descriptive contexts. While its usage is not exceedingly common, substituting with alternatives like "fading sunlight" or "twilight hours" can prevent overuse and maintain reader engagement. The contexts in which it appears denote a neutral to slightly formal register, adding a touch of literary flair to various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fading sunlight

Focuses on the diminishing quality of the sunlight.

twilight hours

Emphasizes the period of time when the sun is setting.

setting sun's glow

Highlights the warm and soft light produced by the sun as it sets.

dusk's final light

Similar to twilight, but with a focus on the light itself.

evening's last light

Indicates the light present at the end of the evening.

waning daylight

Describes the decreasing intensity of the daylight.

dying embers of day

Uses a metaphorical expression to represent the end of the day.

sundown's afterglow

Focuses on the soft light that remains after the sun has set.

final gleam of sunset

Highlights the last bit of light that is visible during sunset.

end of day's brightness

Emphasizes the conclusion of the day's light.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "last rays of sun" in a sentence?

Use "last rays of sun" to describe a scene where the sun is setting and the light is fading, creating a sense of tranquility or melancholy. For example, "The "last rays of sun" painted the sky in hues of orange and pink."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "last rays of sun"?

Alternatives include "fading sunlight", "twilight hours", or "setting sun's glow", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "last rays of the sun"?

Yes, both "last rays of sun" and "last rays of the sun" are grammatically correct. The inclusion of "the" is a matter of stylistic choice and does not change the meaning of the phrase.

What imagery does the phrase "last rays of sun" typically evoke?

The phrase "last rays of sun" commonly evokes imagery of peace, reflection, and the end of a cycle. It often suggests a beautiful, albeit temporary, moment of light before darkness sets in.