quarter moon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quarter moon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the phase of the moon when it is half illuminated, typically occurring about a week after the new moon or before the full moon. Example: "The night sky was beautifully lit by the quarter moon, casting soft shadows on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Above it, a snow-white quarter moon.

The New York Times - Travel

The waxing quarter moon slowly sinks its orange Cheshire grin to the horizon.

The New York Times

A long night brightened only by the quarter moon of the Renaissance (reflected light).

The New York Times - Arts

A large photograph of a quarter moon, its dark side clearly silhouetted against the sky, hung nearby.

The New Yorker

Like clockwork, these bioluminescent creatures swim in a circular mating dance before the twice-monthly quarter moon.

The New York Times

And by morning, they had made their way to the hallowed ground of Kufa Mosque, where sun lit the gold domes like a quarter moon.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The spinning halo seems to be in conversation with the metal quarter moons set at the corners of the book of sacred writings.

Independent

A pale orange three-quarter moon began a slow, gauzy descent.

The New York Times

Outside it was clear, and the three-quarter moon lit the river.

The New York Times - Magazine

I look to the sky for relief; there are thin white clouds, a three-quarter moon.

The New Yorker

And, they said, a three-quarter moon had just emerged from behind the clouds.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the moon's appearance, use "quarter moon" to specifically denote the phase when half of the moon's visible surface is illuminated. It's best when you want to be accurate about the lunar cycle.

Common error

Don't assume a "quarter moon" refers to only 25% illumination. Despite the name, half of the moon's visible surface is lit during this phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quarter moon" primarily functions as a noun, specifically a compound noun, referring to a specific phase of the moon. It describes the moon when it is at one of its quarter phases, either first or last, indicating that half of the moon appears illuminated. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, which uses the phrase to describe a visual element.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quarter moon" correctly identifies a lunar phase where half of the moon's visible surface is illuminated. Ludwig confirms this with examples from diverse sources like news outlets, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Usage is grammatically sound and relatively common, primarily appearing in contexts related to news, science, and general descriptions of celestial events. While the term is frequently used, it's important to remember that the name can be misleading as it might imply only 25% illumination. Be sure to use it accurately when describing the lunar cycle or setting a scene. Alternatives such as "half moon", "first quarter moon", or "last quarter moon" offer more specificity depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half moon

Refers to the same lunar phase, focusing on the illuminated portion.

first quarter moon

More specific term for the waxing quarter phase.

last quarter moon

Describes the waning quarter phase.

first quarter

Shorthand referring to the same lunar phase, common in astronomical contexts.

waxing crescent

Describes the phase before the first quarter moon.

waning gibbous

Describes the phase after the full moon but before the last quarter.

lunar phase

A general term for any stage of the moon's cycle.

moon's phase

An alternative phrasing for any stage of the moon's cycle.

celestial body

Broader term referring to any natural object in space.

heavenly body

Similar broader term for objects in space, often with poetic connotation.

FAQs

How is "quarter moon" used in a sentence?

The phrase "quarter moon" is used to describe the phase when half of the moon's visible surface is illuminated, as in "The night was lit by a bright "quarter moon"".

What's the difference between "first quarter moon" and "last quarter moon"?

"First quarter moon" refers to the waxing phase, approximately one week after the new moon, while "last quarter moon" refers to the waning phase, about one week before the new moon. They are opposite halves of the lunar cycle.

What can I say instead of "quarter moon"?

You can use alternatives like "half moon", "first quarter moon", or "last quarter moon" depending on the specific phase you want to describe.

Is it correct to say "a quarter of the moon" when referring to the phase?

While technically half of the visible surface is illuminated during a "quarter moon", the term refers to a specific point in the lunar cycle. Saying "a quarter of the moon" might be misinterpreted.