more luminous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more luminous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that emits or reflects more light than another object or in comparison to a previous state. Example: "The new LED bulbs are more luminous than the old incandescent ones, providing better visibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Each photograph ended up appearing much more luminous.

The New York Times

Vegetables are much more colorful, more perfumed, more luminous".

The New York Times

The star is of a common type somewhat hotter and more luminous than the Sun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Doing so made them grow more luminous as their waste proteins accumulated.

The Economist

For a given temperature, there are stars that are much more luminous than main-sequence stars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the works become more and more luminous as the world becomes blacker.

The New York Times - Arts

In a year of exceptional achievement, one still seems more luminous.

The Guardian

An unremarkable Rebecca Krohn and a more luminous Teresa Reichlen completed the variations.

The New York Times - Arts

"These days we seem to be going for a much more luminous, movie-star feel".

The New York Times

They somehow become more luminous and translucent the more densely they are drawn, an extraordinary paradox.

The New York Times - Arts

On the contrary, the wonder of New Zealand only gets more luminous after dark.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intensity of light sources, use "more luminous" to indicate a higher level of light emission compared to a standard or previous state. For instance, "The new streetlights are significantly "more luminous" than the old ones, improving visibility at night."

Common error

Avoid using "more luminous" too frequently in metaphorical contexts (e.g., describing emotions or abstract qualities). While technically correct, it can sound overly formal or scientific. Consider using alternatives like "brighter", "more radiant", or "more vibrant" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more luminous" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a higher degree of brightness or light emission relative to something else. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, indicating that the phrase is indeed correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more luminous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a greater degree of light emission or reflection. According to Ludwig, it appears commonly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While "more luminous" is generally correct, it's advisable to be mindful of overusing it in metaphorical contexts. For alternatives, consider "brighter", "more radiant", or "more brilliant" to better suit the specific nuance and tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brighter

Expresses a higher degree of light emission directly; a simpler synonym.

more radiant

Focuses on the emission of energy as rays, implying a more intense glow.

more brilliant

Suggests a sparkling or dazzling quality of light.

more illuminated

Emphasizes the state of being lit up, rather than the inherent light source.

more glowing

Indicates a soft, warm light, often implying an inner source.

more lustrous

Implies a reflected shine, often associated with polished surfaces.

more incandescent

Refers specifically to light emitted from a heated object.

more fluorescent

Describes light produced by fluorescence, a specific type of light emission.

more luminescent

Indicates light emitted without heat, often a cool, faint glow.

more effulgent

Suggests a dazzling, overflowing radiance, often used poetically.

FAQs

How can I use "more luminous" in a sentence?

You can use "more luminous" to describe something that emits or reflects a greater amount of light compared to something else. For example, "LEDs are "more luminous" than incandescent bulbs."

What's a good alternative to saying "more luminous"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "more luminous" include "brighter", "more radiant", or "more brilliant". Choose the word that best fits the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "more luminous" when describing a person's face?

While grammatically correct, using "more luminous" to describe a person's face can sound somewhat formal or poetic. Consider using alternatives like "more radiant", "more glowing", or "brighter" to create a more natural and less scientific effect.

What is the difference between "more luminous" and "more illuminated"?

"More luminous" refers to the intensity of the light emitted by an object, while "more illuminated" describes the degree to which something is lit up. A light bulb is "more luminous", while a room is "more illuminated" by that bulb.