like a flash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a flash" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to emphasize that something happened quickly and unexpectedly, often with an element of surprise. For example: "He finished the race like a flash and won first place!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was like a flash mob.

The New York Times

It was like a flash of lightning".

The New York Times - Arts

Her voice was pure, like a flash of silver.

The Guardian

It was like a flash premonition of a fractured skull.

The Guardian - Sport

Like a flash, Firefighter Bilcher was at your bedside.

The New York Times

Like a flash the children had the answer.

The New Yorker

So sometimes I feel like sustainability is just like a flash word.

Cornell University

It all happened "in a second, like a flash," Mr. Sucuzhañay testified.

The New York Times

Indeed, the entire novel is like a flash of lightening that momentarily floods the forest.

The New Yorker

Like a flash of lightning, the truth seized the duke's heart.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you want the ability to keep using a DVD or CD like a flash-drive, go for the RW variants (DVD-RW or CD-RW).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a flash" to vividly describe actions or events that happen with sudden and remarkable speed, making your writing more engaging.

Common error

While "like a flash" is effective for emphasizing speed, avoid using it in formal or academic writing where a more precise and less figurative description may be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a flash" functions as a simile, comparing the speed of something to the sudden burst of a flash of light. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to emphasize rapidity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a flash" is a simile used to describe something happening very quickly and suddenly. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, although formal writing may benefit from more precise language. Common alternatives include "in a heartbeat" and "as quick as lightning". The phrase is prevalent in News & Media but also appears in Academia and Wiki sources, emphasizing its versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as quick as lightning

Uses a direct comparison to lightning to emphasize speed.

in the blink of an eye

Highlights the extremely short duration of an event.

in a heartbeat

Focuses on the immediacy and willingness to do something quickly.

before you know it

Focuses on the unexpected quickness of something happening.

in a jiffy

Emphasizes speed and efficiency in completing a task.

instantaneously

Emphasizes that something happens without any delay.

in a trice

Similar to 'in a jiffy', indicating a very short time.

swiftly

A more formal adverb indicating quickness.

at warp speed

Implies an extremely high rate of speed, often used hyperbolically.

momentarily

Suggests that something happens very briefly and quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "like a flash" in a sentence?

You can use "like a flash" to describe something that happens very quickly and suddenly. For example: "The idea came to her "like a flash"".

What's a good alternative to "like a flash"?

Alternatives include "in a heartbeat", "in the blink of an eye", or "as quick as lightning", each emphasizing speed in slightly different ways.

Is "like a flash" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "like a flash" is generally more appropriate for informal or creative writing. Formal contexts may benefit from more precise language like "instantaneously" or "immediately".

What does "like a flash" emphasize in a description?

"Like a flash" emphasizes the speed and suddenness of an event, often implying an element of surprise or unexpectedness.