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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
limelight
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'limelight' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used as a noun to refer to the attention of public scrutiny or publicity as in: "The mayor has been in the limelight since his victory speech."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Marseille enjoyed the limelight when it was crowned European Capital of Culture 2013 – cue the largest urban renewal project in southern Europe with a budget of €7bn, including a facelift for the Vieux-Port.
News & Media
Hogging the limelight is apparently not the Russian petrochemical billionaire's style, though his investment – in the infrastructure and playing squad – has played its part.
News & Media
But, far from the limelight, 57 young women who escaped were left grasping to make sense of their new reality.
News & Media
In the final days he graciously ceded the limelight to Gordon Brown, despite old animosities between the pair.
News & Media
In that moment he struck me as someone who was a performer, who liked to be in the limelight, but was a little bit scared that the light might make you see him.
News & Media
But what about myoglobin, the first protein to have its structure worked out in three-dimensions – just a few years after DNA grabbed the limelight?
News & Media
It makes up part of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile 2,650-mileng from Mexico to Canada that is about to get its moment in the Hollywood limelight with the release, on 16 January in the UK, of Wild, based on a true story, in which Reese Witherspath plays Cherunningayed, a troubled woman grieving afrom her Mexico's deato, who hikes 1,100 miles of the trail alone.
News & Media
Related: Lord Ashcroft basks in limelight as his polls look set to transform election The exception is Anas Sawar's Glasgow Central seat and the Renfrewshire seat of Douglas Alexander.
News & Media
"I've spent years when I've not been in the limelight at all and I'm perfectly happy living my life without being swooped on by paparazzi".
News & Media
Barnstorming performances by South African musician Hugh Masekela, Mali's Amadou and Mariam, who were introduced by singer Cerys Matthews, and later by Lianne La Havas, Rosemary Nalden, the choir Only Boys Aloud and Plan B, all won cheers of appreciation, while, as befitted the historic London venue, dance also enjoyed its moment in the limelight too.
News & Media
The abduction that catapulted Boko Haram into the global limelight was just the tip of almost six years of carnage from a group seeking to impose a caliphate on Africa's largest and religiously mixed nation.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "limelight" to describe situations where someone or something is receiving a lot of public attention, whether positive or negative.
Common error
While "limelight" often implies fame, it doesn't guarantee positive recognition. Be aware that being in the "limelight" can also mean facing public scrutiny or criticism.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "limelight" primarily functions as a noun, referring to public attention or prominence. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showing it used to describe individuals, events, or issues gaining public notice.
Frequent in
News & Media
68%
Formal & Business
17%
Science
15%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "limelight" is a commonly used noun that signifies public attention or prominence. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. It's important to remember that being in the "limelight" doesn't always guarantee positive recognition, as it can also imply scrutiny. Alternatives like "public eye" or "spotlight" can be used for similar meanings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
in the spotlight
A direct synonym, highlighting the idea of being illuminated by attention.
public eye
Focuses specifically on the aspect of being observed and scrutinized by the public.
center stage
Emphasizes the idea of being the main focus of attention in a performance or situation.
under scrutiny
Highlights the aspect of being closely examined or investigated.
high-profile
Describes something that attracts significant public attention because of its importance or notoriety.
making headlines
Signifies being the subject of news reports and significant public discussion.
in the forefront
Indicates being in a leading or prominent position.
getting exposure
Focuses on the act of receiving public attention or publicity.
in vogue
Signifies being currently popular or fashionable, thus attracting attention.
at the pinnacle
Suggests being at the highest point of success or fame, naturally attracting attention.
FAQs
How can I use "limelight" in a sentence?
You can use "limelight" to describe someone receiving public attention, such as, "The actress has been in the "limelight" since her award-winning performance."
What's a synonym for "limelight"?
Alternatives to "limelight" include "public eye", "spotlight", or "center stage" depending on the context.
Is it always good to be in the "limelight"?
Not necessarily. While it often implies fame or success, being in the "limelight" can also bring increased scrutiny and pressure.
What does it mean to "shun the limelight"?
To "shun the limelight" means to actively avoid public attention and publicity.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested