line of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of light" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to visual imagery, photography, or metaphorical expressions involving clarity or guidance. Example: "As the sun set, a beautiful line of light stretched across the horizon, illuminating the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

A thin line of light.

The New Yorker

A thin line of light was arriving through a tiny window covered by plastic.

The New York Times

On a third, a line of light shines through the slight gap between two bare legs.

The New York Times - Arts

The outline shows up as a powerful line of light and shade around the whole design.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company cited strong sales of its luxury Infiniti sedans and an expanded line of light trucks.

The New York Times

The nautical theme is continued through the use of a line of light, which will rise diagonally on the face of the building from water to sky.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The observed transits of e suggest an orbit normal inclined within 9° to the line-of-light, and a possible detection of the transit of an extended atmosphere around 55 Cancri b would, if confirmed, imply that it too is in an orbit that is close to edge-on.

Wikipedia

It works using a single line of light-sensitive CCDs that it scans down the length of the page.

MIT Technology Review

If an idea touted in the City last week takes off, that line of lights could turn into a swarm.

The Times

But one line of lights follows the surface of the actual earth: the other is actually straight.

The Guardian

And last week, she was in town to introduce a line of lighting created in collaboration with Lalique.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of light" to describe the visual phenomenon of light appearing in a linear form, whether it's a narrow beam, a distant horizon, or a design element.

Common error

Avoid using "line of light" when "ray of light" is more appropriate. A "ray" suggests a single direction from a source, while a "line" emphasizes the shape itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of light" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a visual phenomenon characterized by light appearing in a linear form. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of light" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a visual phenomenon where light appears in a linear form. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is widely applicable and can be found in various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and academic writing. While alternatives such as ""beam of light"" or ""ray of light"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, remember that it emphasizes the linear shape of the light. Therefore, it's best practice to avoid using it interchangeably with phrases that emphasize direction or intensity. Overall, understanding the contexts and nuances of "line of light" will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beam of light

Focuses on the ray aspect rather than the linear shape.

ray of light

Emphasizes the single direction from a source.

streak of light

Highlights the speed or suddenness of appearance.

shaft of light

Implies a more substantial and defined column.

gleam of light

Suggests a brief or faint appearance.

strip of light

Highlights the shape and extent in a linear fashion.

thread of light

Indicates a thin or delicate presence.

ribbon of light

Suggests a wider, flowing appearance.

flicker of light

Emphasizes the instability or intermittence.

band of light

Implies a wider, less defined linear shape.

FAQs

How can I use "line of light" in a sentence?

You can use "line of light" to describe a visual element, like "A thin "beam of light" shone through the crack in the door" or to describe the horizon, for instance, "The setting sun created a "streak of light" across the sky".

What's a good alternative to "line of light"?

Depending on the context, you could use "beam of light", "ray of light", or "streak of light". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the shape, direction, or sudden appearance of the light.

Is "line of light" a formal or informal phrase?

"Line of light" is a neutral phrase and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between a "line of light" and a "band of light"?

A "line of light" suggests a narrow, linear appearance, while a "band of light" implies a wider, less defined linear shape. The choice depends on the visual characteristic you want to emphasize.