patch of sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"patch of sunlight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small, noticeable area of sunlight in a room or outdoors. For example, "It was gloomy until I saw a patch of sunlight streaming in through the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Find a patch of sunlight, my boy.

The New Yorker

Find a patch of sunlight and bask in it".

The New Yorker

A few twists and turns later, the alley opened to a small patch of sunlight.

The New York Times

"I'm quick," he said, sitting in a patch of sunlight in his unfurnished den.

The New York Times

Sonia will often drag her blanket, mat and toy out and into a patch of sunlight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A small coil, like a polished tree root, motionless amid tangled foliage in a sheltered patch of sunlight.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Patches of sunlight and glare.

The New Yorker

A breeze stirs patches of sunlight on the dark tar.

The Guardian - Travel

(She is like a swallow darting in and out of the patches of sunlight that she herself projects).

The New Yorker

The war's toll is the only real shadow to cross the militantly cheerful pages of "Patches of Sunlight".

The New Yorker

We had come up a side valley, I remember, where patches of sunlight were slowly warming the rocks.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patch of sunlight" to vividly describe a specific area where sunlight is concentrated, creating a contrast with surrounding shaded areas. This adds depth and visual interest to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "patch of sunlight" excessively in metaphorical senses (e.g. "a patch of sunlight in her otherwise gloomy life"). While occasionally effective, overuse can weaken its impact. Opt for more nuanced metaphors when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patch of sunlight" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It denotes a specific area illuminated by the sun.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Lifestyle

9%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patch of sunlight" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict an area illuminated by the sun. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is correct and usable in written English. Although uncommon, the phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Arts contexts. It serves a descriptive purpose, enhancing the visual elements of a scene. When writing, remember to use it to describe physical settings and avoid overuse in metaphors. Alternative phrases, such as "sunlit area" or "pool of light", can offer variety, while considering the slight nuances between them. When employing the phrase, visualize a concentrated source of light within a shadowy or contrasted setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sunlit area

Replaces "patch" with "area", focusing on the space defined by sunlight.

sun-drenched spot

Uses a more descriptive adjective to convey the intensity of sunlight.

sunbeam spot

Emphasizes the ray of light creating the spot.

area illuminated by sunlight

A more formal and descriptive alternative.

ray of sunshine

Highlights the sun's direct emission of light, replacing the area with the source.

sun kissed area

Uses a metaphorical expression to imply warmth and light from the sun.

pool of light

Focuses on the shape and containment of the light.

sunlit clearing

Describes a small area free of shade, illuminated by the sun.

bright spot

A general term for an area of light, less specific to sunlight.

sun's glow

Focuses on the radiant effect of the sun rather than a specific area.

FAQs

How can I describe the size of a "patch of sunlight"?

You can use adjectives like "small", "large", "tiny", or "wide" to specify the size. For instance, "a small "patch of sunlight"" or "a wide "patch of sunlight"".

Is it correct to say "ray of sunlight" instead of "patch of sunlight"?

While both refer to sunlight, "ray of sunlight" describes a beam of light, whereas ""patch of sunlight"" refers to an area illuminated by that light.

What is the difference between "pool of sunlight" and "patch of sunlight"?

"Pool of sunlight" often implies a more contained or defined shape of the illuminated area, whereas ""patch of sunlight"" is a more general term.

Can "patch of sunlight" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe a moment of happiness or hope in a difficult situation, similar to saying "glimmer of hope".