light bulb

USAGE SUMMARY

'light bulb' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in any context when referring to an electric light bulb. For example: "The light bulb in the kitchen needs to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

One light bulb dangles.

The New Yorker

The light bulb.

The New Yorker

Like the light bulb.

The New Yorker

The perfect light bulb.

MIT Technology Review

Big light bulb.

The New York Times - Travel

LED light bulb replacement.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The light bulb went off.

The New York Times

A light bulb went off.

The New York Times

It's like the light bulb.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Edison light bulbs.

The New York Times

Light bulbs, same way.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about energy efficiency, specify the type of "light bulb" (e.g., LED, CFL, incandescent) to provide clarity and relevant context.

Common error

Avoid using watts as the primary measure of brightness. Lumens indicate brightness, while watts measure energy consumption. Choose "light bulbs" based on lumen output to achieve desired brightness efficiently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light bulb" primarily functions as a noun, specifically a common noun. It refers to a physical object that emits light when electricity passes through it. Ludwig confirms its usability in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

39%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "light bulb" is a very common noun phrase used to refer to an electric light source. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register and carries the primary function of identifying a common household item. While grammatically straightforward, clarity is important in distinguishing between lumens and watts when discussing brightness and energy efficiency. Alternatives like "incandescent lamp" or "LED lamp" provide more specificity when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bulb

Shorter term for light bulb

incandescent lamp

Technical term for a traditional light bulb using a heated filament.

glow lamp

A lamp that emits light.

electric-light bulb

An electric light in bulb shape

electric light

Broader term referring to any light source powered by electricity.

light globe

A globe that emits light.

LED lamp

Refers specifically to a light emitting diode lamp, a more efficient lighting technology.

fluorescent lamp

Denotes a lamp that produces light by exciting mercury vapor.

lighting fixture

Encompasses the entire unit holding the light source, not just the bulb itself.

lamp

A general term for a device producing light.

FAQs

How do I use "light bulb" in a sentence?

You can use "light bulb" to refer to the electric component used for producing light. For example, "The "light bulb" in my room needs replacement."

What's a more technical term for "light bulb"?

A more technical term for "light bulb" is "incandescent lamp", particularly when referring to traditional filament bulbs.

Which type of "light bulb" is the most energy-efficient?

LED lamps are generally the most energy-efficient type of "light bulb", using significantly less energy than incandescent or fluorescent options.

What is the difference between a lamp and a "light bulb"?

A "light bulb" is the component that produces light, while a "lamp" is the complete fixture including the bulb, base, and shade.