provides light

USAGE SUMMARY

"provides light" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase in the context of describing the purpose of a specific object, such as: "This lamp provides light for the room".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

This provides light relief from the graft of realpolitik.

The Economist

The commercial services unit provides light industrial, clerical and call-center temporary workers.

The New York Times

The $10 bulb provides light equivalent to that from a 40-watt incandescent.

The New York Times - Tech

That upper chamber provides light, from high windows during the day and chandeliers at night, and a rich, reverberant acoustic.

The New York Times - Arts

It provides light on the dark times, shadow on those who would be famous, and is gloriously disrespectful of reputation.

The Guardian

Desi provides light relief (his hopeful anticipation of "Octopus and Scrabble" gets the biggest laughs) as well as ambivalent creepiness.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It even provides light-blue note pads and charts, which are easier on the eyes than the traditional white ones.

The New York Times

Electricity helps incubate chicks and provides lighting to tend them at night.

The New York Times

The implementation of the proposed architecture in Android smartphone provides light-weight, easy to deploy, context aware wireless services for effective crowd disaster mitigation and generation of an in time alert to take measures to avoid the occurrence of a stampede.

Ad Hoc Networks

Osram provides lighting for the entire complex.

Wikipedia

Despite early work showing that retinal G protein-coupled receptor, expressed in the RPE, provides light-dependent modulation of all-trans-retinyl ester synthesis and degradation as well as influences RPE65 activity in mice, the molecular mechanism of light-induced stimulation of retinoid isomerization remains an intriguing biological mystery.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider using "provides light" to suggest clarification or understanding, rather than literal illumination. For example, "This research provides light on the causes of the disease".

Common error

Avoid using "provides light" when simpler verbs like "lights" or "illuminates" would suffice, especially in straightforward descriptions. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provides light" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of an object or source emitting or supplying illumination. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing both literal and figurative illumination.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provides light" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the act of illuminating something, whether literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a verb phrase with a neutral to formal register. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "provides light", consider the context and whether simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Related phrases include "illuminates" and "sheds light on", which offer varying nuances. Remembering these considerations can lead to clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illuminates

Focuses more directly on the act of lighting something up.

sheds light on

Emphasizes clarification or explanation rather than literal illumination.

gives illumination

Uses a more formal noun to describe the action of providing light.

offers illumination

Similar to 'gives illumination', but with a slightly more suggestive or figurative nuance.

casts light

Implies a source projecting light onto a surface or area.

supplies illumination

Highlights the function of providing light as a service or utility.

furnishes light

Similar to 'supplies illumination' but may suggest a more permanent or built-in solution.

emits light

Focuses on the act of releasing light from a source.

creates illumination

Emphasizes the act of generating light or a lighted environment.

generates light

Highlights the source or mechanism that produces the light.

FAQs

How can I use "provides light" in a sentence?

You can use "provides light" to describe anything that illuminates a space or clarifies a topic. For example, "The lamp provides light for reading" or "This study "sheds light on" a complex issue".

What are some alternatives to "provides light"?

Alternatives to "provides light" include "illuminates", "sheds light on", "gives illumination", or "casts light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "provides light" or "gives light"?

"Provides light" and "gives light" are both acceptable, but "provides light" is generally considered more formal and common in written English. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Can "provides light" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "provides light" is frequently used metaphorically to indicate clarification, understanding, or insight. For example, "The new evidence "sheds light on" the mystery" means it helps to clarify or solve it.