light as a feather

USAGE SUMMARY

"light as a feather" is a valid phrase that is frequently used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is lightweight and easy to lift. Example: "Lifting the box proved easier than I expected, as it was light as a feather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Light as a feather.

The New York Times - Science

Big as a barn, but light as a feather".

The New York Times - Books

It was obviously as light as a feather.

Independent

The ball and chain had floated off, light as a feather.

The Guardian

Partially made of rosewood, it's light as a feather and resonant as a cathedral organ.

The Washington Post

When you grab one of Baxter's arms, it feels light as a feather.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Finally, there's no place for light-as-a-feather footwear in a power-driven world.

Independent

"Woody Allen is back on form – just about – with this light-as-a-feather fantasy about 20s bohemian Paris".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The main draw is its questing intelligence and light-as-a-feather examination of whether we can really understand the past or indeed ourselves.

The Guardian

It melds music, text, storytelling and dance into one light-as-a-feather package that never shirks the ugliness and messiness of life.

The Guardian

She brings these qualities to Treasure Island, where her mixture of wistfulness and sprightliness and her light-as-a-feather movement makes her sometimes look like a tiny Charlie Chaplin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light as a feather" to describe something with minimal weight, enhancing descriptions with vivid imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "light as a feather" when you actually mean carefree or untroubled. While related, the phrase specifically refers to physical weight, not emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light as a feather" functions primarily as a simile, comparing the weight of something to that of a feather to emphasize its extreme lightness. Ludwig AI confirms it is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "light as a feather" is a common and effective way to describe something with very little weight. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While primarily found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse applications. The phrase evokes a clear image, making it a powerful descriptive tool. When choosing related phrases, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, whether it's weightlessness, delicacy, or insubstantiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

featherlight

A compound word synonymous with the query, emphasizing the quality of being like a feather.

as light as air

Directly compares to air, emphasizing weightlessness.

as light as a cloud

A similar simile replacing the feather with a cloud, which also symbolises lightness.

weightless

Emphasizes the absence of weight; more literal than figurative.

airy

Focuses on the quality of being light and insubstantial, like air.

ethereal

Conveys a sense of lightness combined with delicacy and otherworldliness.

gossamer

Compares to a fine, sheer fabric, suggesting delicacy and lightness.

buoyant

Highlights the ability to float or rise easily.

downy

Refers to the soft, fluffy feathers of young birds, emphasizing softness and lightness.

insubstantial

Highlights lack of substance or weight, often in a more abstract sense.

FAQs

How can I use "light as a feather" in a sentence?

You can use "light as a feather" to describe the physical weight of an object, for example: "The dancer's steps were "light as a feather", barely touching the ground."

What does it mean when something is described as "light as a feather"?

Describing something as "light as a feather" means that it weighs very little and is easy to lift or move. It's a common simile used to emphasize the lack of weight.

Which is correct, "light as a feather" or "lighter than a feather"?

"Light as a feather" is a simile, while "lighter than a feather" is a comparative statement. Both can be correct, but they have slightly different implications. The simile emphasizes the extreme lightness.

What can I say instead of "light as a feather"?

You can use alternatives like "weightless", "ethereal", or "as light as air", depending on the context.