light crash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light crash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or gentle collision, often in contexts related to vehicles or objects. Example: "The cyclist experienced a light crash when he lost his balance but was unharmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado had a light crash at Turn Four just after lunch and was slowest of all.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Spook was inadequately prepared and never became comfortable on the set after an overhead light crashed to the floor on his first day.

Wikipedia

But Steve Galloway, the council leader, explained in an interview that a fireworks display would be prohibitively expensive — perhaps $200,000 or more, what with crowd control, temporary lighting, crash barriers and the like, not to mention the fireworks themselves.

The New York Times

There, at about 11 p.m. on Oct. 4, 1967, witnesses reported seeing a U.F.O. with flashing lights crash into the ocean and disappear, leaving a trail of yellow foam.

The New York Times - Travel

Between then and now, 47 standing beside the winch that'd bring the lighting crashing down, I'd taken care of Margolis.

Vice

You are not sure how you arrive at the subject, but you tell her about the time that you almost died when the metal track lighting crashed to the ground in the chicken house.

Vice

Fiona was killed in a light aircraft crash in 1999, and when we visited the crash site a week later, Amy accompanied us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Overall, however, crashes increased because there are generally more rear-end crashes than red light running crashes.

Huffington Post

Enquiries continuing at light aircraft crash scene in #Somerset - we believe the four victims are from same family.

Independent

An air-and-sea search by British and French rescuers investigating a light aircraft crash in the English Channel was expected to resume on Monday morning.

Independent

Signed comment in a five-part comment comprising all of talk, and devoted to the recent death of John F. Kennedy, Jr., in a light plane crash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vehicle accidents, use "light crash" to convey the limited severity of the incident. This can help avoid alarming readers unnecessarily.

Common error

Avoid using "light crash" when the incident involves significant damage or injuries; it can downplay the actual consequences. Use stronger terms like "serious collision" or "major accident" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light crash" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event, specifically a collision of low severity. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light crash" denotes a minor collision, often used in contexts involving vehicles or accidents with minimal severity. As Ludwig states, the term is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to convey information about an event while emphasizing its low impact. While "light crash" is not extremely common, appearing primarily in news and media sources, it effectively communicates the limited nature of an accident. When choosing alternative phrases, consider options like "minor collision" or "slight impact" to maintain clarity and neutrality. Use "light crash" judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the actual severity of the incident being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor collision

Replaces "crash" with a more formal term, focusing on the event's severity.

slight impact

Emphasizes the force involved, using "impact" instead of "crash".

fender bender

An idiomatic term specifically for minor car accidents.

small accident

Uses a more general term for an unplanned event causing damage or injury.

gentle collision

Highlights the lack of force involved in the crash.

minor incident

Downplays the severity of the event, referring to it as an "incident".

low-impact collision

More technical description of the level of impact.

grazing impact

Suggests the collision was not head-on or forceful.

brushing contact

Describes a very minimal level of contact.

glancing blow

Indicates that the force of the crash was deflected.

FAQs

What does "light crash" mean?

A "light crash" refers to a minor accident or collision, typically involving minimal damage or injury. It suggests a low level of impact and severity.

What are some synonyms for "light crash"?

Alternatives include "minor collision", "slight impact", or "fender bender", all conveying a similar meaning of a less serious accident.

Is it appropriate to use "light crash" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "light crash" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. For formal writing, consider using "minor collision" or "low-impact collision" for a more professional tone.

How does a "light crash" differ from a "serious accident"?

A "light crash" implies minimal damage and injury, whereas a "serious accident" suggests significant damage, potential injuries, and possibly life-threatening consequences. The terms differ significantly in the level of severity they describe.