light sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to photography, lighting design, or even metaphorically to describe a gentle or subtle movement or action. Example: "The photographer used a light sweep to create a soft focus effect in the portrait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Eyeshadow in Stud narscosmetics.co.uk Part of a limited edition collaboration with photographer Steven Klein, a light sweep of this sparkly mushroom shade should suit everyone.

Independent

The rest of the face was kept muted: a touch of foundation on the skin, a light sweep of rosy-pink blush on the apples of the cheeks, and nude lips topped off with lip balm.

The New York Times

So, as the Sydney night falls on the forecourt and arcs of blue light sweep across the stage, a clutch of hooded figures stagger on, only to throw off the cloaks and reveal a purple-suited Finn and Seymour along with multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart and drummer Matthew Sherrod.

The Guardian - Music

Only as these galaxies ionised this neutral gas filling the space between them did their light sweep out across the cosmos.

BBC

New x-ray studies of two supermassive black holes in the distant universe suggest that fierce winds, blowing at more than one-third the speed of light, sweep away billions of suns' worth of gas during the black holes' turbulent lifetimes.

Science Magazine

Only apply a light sweep and your powder.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A scythe of light swept over the ground.

The Washington Post

For three days, the light swept the dark cartoon sea in vain.

The New York Times

When the first beam of light swept over the surface of the water, the magazine said, many of them cried.

The New York Times

Suddenly, a spot of red light sweeps across her body and fixes, like a marksman's sight, on a point on her left breast.

The Economist

Red strips of neon light swept the darkened cab as we approached Greek Street, while cackles from scene-queens surrounded us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing makeup application, use "light sweep" to convey a delicate and even distribution of product for a natural finish.

Common error

Avoid using "light sweep" to describe an action that requires significant force or a heavy application of a substance; it implies gentleness and subtlety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light sweep" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object, as seen in the Ludwig examples referring to makeup application or describing a movement of light. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light sweep" functions as a noun phrase, typically to describe a gentle or subtle action, especially in the context of makeup application or the movement of light. While grammatically correct and usable as stated by Ludwig AI, it's not a very common phrase. Its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended sense of gentleness and subtlety, avoiding its application to scenarios requiring force or heavy coverage. Alternatives like "gentle brush" or "soft glide" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle brush

Emphasizes the delicacy and softness of the movement, differing from the broader action implied by "sweep".

soft glide

Highlights the smooth and continuous nature of the motion, rather than the expansive coverage of a "sweep".

subtle pass

Focuses on the understated quality of the movement, in contrast to the more pronounced action of a "sweep".

slight whisk

Implies a quick and airy movement, unlike the more deliberate action of a "sweep".

feather touch

Highlights the extremely delicate nature of the action, as if performed with a feather.

delicate stroke

Suggests a careful and precise movement, differing from the broader gesture of a "sweep".

brief caress

Implies a gentle and affectionate touch, unlike the neutral action of a "sweep".

fleeting graze

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the contact, unlike the more sustained action of a "sweep".

airy waft

Conveys a light and ethereal movement, differing from the more grounded action of a "sweep".

glancing skim

Highlights the superficial and indirect nature of the contact, unlike the more thorough action of a "sweep".

FAQs

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

You can use "light sweep" to describe a gentle application of makeup, like "Apply a "light sweep" of blush to your cheeks". It can also describe the movement of light, such as "A "light sweep" crossed the stage".

What is the difference between "light sweep" and "heavy application"?

"Light sweep" refers to a gentle and subtle application, while "heavy application" implies a more substantial or intense application of a product or force. They are opposites in terms of intensity.

What can I say instead of "light sweep"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "gentle brush", "soft glide", or "subtle pass".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "light sweep"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to convey a sense of delicacy, subtlety, or gentleness, such as describing makeup application, the movement of light, or a gentle cleaning motion.