light on

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
It may be used to describe someone or something that is not heavily burdened or weighed down, or to refer to a lack of information about something. For example, "The book was surprisingly light on details about the author's early life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Accessories: Go light on this one.

WikiHow

Light on dark?

The New York Times

There is a light on.

The New Yorker

No light on ridge line.

The New Yorker

The light on the wall?

The New York Times

"I'll turn the light on.

The New Yorker

We're light on interpreters.

The Guardian

Light on decent shops.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

(a) 'Light-on' transient.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Light traces: light-on.

eLife

Light-on trials: green.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "light on" to describe something lacking, ensure the context clearly indicates what is missing. For example, "The report was light on specific data."

Common error

Avoid using "light on" when you mean completely absent. "Light on" suggests a deficiency, not a total absence. For total absence, use "lacking" or "devoid of."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light on" primarily functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun, indicating a deficiency or lack of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing a lack of detail or resources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

34%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light on" is a versatile expression used to indicate a deficiency or lack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts. It's often used in news, wiki, and science-related content. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what is specifically lacking. While "light on" suggests a deficiency, it doesn't equate to complete absence; use alternatives like "lacking" or "devoid of" for total absence. Alternative phrases such as "easy on" or "sparse on" can provide similar nuanced meanings. Understanding the subtle differences helps in choosing the most appropriate expression for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy on

Indicates a similar concept of being gentle or lenient.

gentle with

Emphasizes a soft touch or approach, similar to being "light on" something.

short on

Highlights a deficiency in something, similar to being "light on" a particular aspect.

sparse on

Emphasizes the idea of having less of something, like details or information.

restrained with

Suggests moderation and holding back, mirroring the concept of being "light on".

deficient in

Highlights a lack of something, similar to being "light on" a particular aspect.

economical with

Indicates using something sparingly, akin to being "light on" a resource.

shed light upon

Focuses on providing clarification or understanding about a topic.

brief on

Focuses on concisely presenting information.

illuminate

Stresses the action of making something clearer or more understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "light on" in a sentence?

You can use "light on" to describe something that is lacking a particular element, such as "The presentation was "light on" details" or to mean that something is being done gently, such as "Go "light on" the sauce".

What's the difference between "light on" and "short on"?

"Light on" implies a deficiency or lack, whereas "short on" typically refers to a scarcity of something, particularly resources or time. You can use both, such as "The project is "light on" funding and "short on" time.

Which is correct, "light on details" or "lacking details"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Light on details" suggests that there are some details, but not enough, while "lacking details" indicates a more complete absence of details.

What can I say instead of "light on" when talking about providing information?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "brief on", "sparse on", or "economical with" to convey a similar meaning.