notice a flicker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "notice a flicker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a brief or subtle change in light or an indication of something that may not be immediately obvious. Example: "As I sat in the dark room, I noticed a flicker of light coming from the corner, drawing my attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As he lined up the second fighter, Hartmann noticed a flicker of shiny dots above him coming from the West; they were P-51s.

Wikipedia

Furthermore, 78% reported to have noticed a flickering in some of the trials, but did not attribute any meaning to this phenomenon.

F1000Research

My son can see certain ceiling lights flicker to the extent that it bothers him even though most folks don't notice any flicker.

Forbes

I'm under no illusion that they're having the time of their lives or making groundbreaking leaps of knowledge in my lessons, but seeing a flicker of interest or noticing they're making an extra effort to copy down correctly because you've made them realise it's quite important – I'll take those mini victories for now.

The Guardian

I fell asleep and dreamed I was walking in a city at night when I noticed a street lamp flicker and go out as I passed beneath it.

The New York Times

It produced not a flicker.

Independent

Not a flicker.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cindy McCain gave a flicker of a smirk.

The New Yorker

Barely a flicker.

The Guardian - Sport

I do see a flicker.

The Guardian - Film

A flicker with a broken neck.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "notice a flicker" when describing a brief or subtle change in light or an indication of something that may not be immediately obvious. This phrase works well in both descriptive and narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "notice a flicker" when a more substantial or sustained observation is intended. The phrase implies a brief, almost imperceptible event, not a continuous or major occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "notice a flicker" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "notice" acts as the main verb and "a flicker" serves as the direct object. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the act of becoming aware of a brief or subtle change.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "notice a flicker" describes the act of becoming aware of a brief, subtle change, typically in light or as an indication of something else. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase's usage frequency is currently unconfirmed in our database with no examples. However, its versatile nature allows for use in various contexts, ranging from descriptive writing to casual conversation. Related alternatives include "detect a glimmer" and "catch a glimpse", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch a glimpse

Focuses on a brief or fleeting view, similar to a flicker's transient nature.

detect a glimmer

Focuses on detecting a faint or weak light, similar to noticing a brief flash.

see a spark

Emphasizes the visual aspect of a sudden burst of light, like a "flicker".

observe a hint

Highlights the act of observing a slight indication or suggestion, rather than a visual flash.

discern a sign

Highlights the act of discerning or recognizing a signal that may not be obvious.

spot a trace

Emphasizes finding a very small amount or sign of something.

note a suggestion

Highlights the act of noting an indirect indication, which may not be visual.

perceive a shadow

Implies perceiving something indistinct or vague, unlike a clear "flicker".

register a moment

Focuses on a brief instant or occurrence, which may not be visually apparent.

become aware of a nuance

Highlights becoming conscious of a subtle difference or detail.

FAQs

How can I use "notice a flicker" in a sentence?

You can use "notice a flicker" to describe a brief, subtle change in light or a fleeting indication of something else. For example, "As I sat in the dark room, I "noticed a flicker" of light coming from the corner, drawing my attention."

What can I say instead of "notice a flicker"?

You can use alternatives like "detect a glimmer", "catch a glimpse", or "observe a hint" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "notice a flicker" or "see a flicker"?

Both "notice a flicker" and "see a flicker" are grammatically correct, but "notice" implies a more conscious awareness of the flicker, while "see" simply means the flicker entered your field of vision.

What's the difference between "notice a flicker" and "observe a flicker"?

"Notice a flicker" implies a possibly unintentional observation. On the other hand "observe a flicker" could be a planned action. For example, you could closely observe a candle's flame for a flicker to know if it's about to extinguish.