light has gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light has gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that light is no longer present, often in a metaphorical or literal sense, such as when discussing a power outage or a loss of hope. Example: "As the storm raged outside, I realized that the light has gone, leaving us in complete darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A light has gone out.

The New York Times

A beautiful light has gone out.

The New York Times

"The light has gone off".

The New York Times

No wonder the light has gone from his eyes.

The Guardian - Sport

A light has gone out in the world.

The New York Times

A bright light has gone out in Morningside Heights.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

When he lost that appeal, Bamber says, it was "as if the light had gone out".

The Guardian

The light had gone in my bathroom, so I was cleaning my teeth in the dark.

The Guardian - Opinion

The lawyers then became aware that a red light had gone on, indicating that the courtroom had been closed.

The New York Times

Suddenly, as if a light had gone on inside his head, he said: "That could be it.

The New York Times

Gillon had been devoted to Charlotte: he bore his bereavement with dignity and stoicism, but a light had gone out.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "light has gone" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'light' represents (e.g., hope, inspiration, understanding).

Common error

Avoid using "light has gone" when you simply mean physical darkness if it could be misinterpreted as a deeper, metaphorical loss. Choose more direct phrasing when describing literal absence of illumination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light has gone" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating the absence of light. This absence can be literal, describing physical darkness, or metaphorical, representing a loss of hope, joy, or vitality, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light has gone" is a versatile expression used to denote the absence of light, both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in various reputable sources, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its metaphorical use often adds emotional depth, conveying a sense of loss or ending. Remember to consider the context to ensure clarity, particularly when employing it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light has faded

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in light rather than a complete disappearance.

light has vanished

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance of light.

illumination is lost

Formal alternative indicating the absence of light or understanding.

brightness is no more

Poetic and emphasizes the end of a period of brightness.

hope is lost

Metaphorical, indicating the absence of optimism or positive expectations.

spark has died

Refers to the loss of enthusiasm or vitality.

glow has disappeared

Focuses on the disappearance of a soft, warm light.

daylight is over

Signifies the end of the day or a period of clarity.

flame extinguished

Suggests a forceful ending of illumination, often metaphorical.

radiance has waned

Indicates a gradual decrease in brilliance or splendor.

FAQs

How can I use "light has gone" in a sentence?

You can use "light has gone" to describe a literal absence of light, as in, "After the power outage, the "light has gone" from the house". It can also be used metaphorically, such as, "Since the company's collapse, the "light has gone" from his eyes".

What's a more formal alternative to "light has gone"?

A more formal alternative to "light has gone" could be "illumination is lost" or "brightness has diminished", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "light has gone" in academic writing?

While "light has gone" is grammatically correct, it might be too figurative for some academic contexts. Consider more precise language unless you're deliberately using it for rhetorical effect.

What's the difference between "light has gone" and "light has gone out"?

"Light has gone" simply indicates that the light is no longer present. "Light has gone out" often suggests a more sudden or forceful cessation of light or a more impactful loss, particularly in metaphorical usage.