rays of sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

"rays of sunlight" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase in any situation in which you are describing the presence of sunlight. For example, "I opened the curtains and let in the bright rays of sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are momentary flashes that could be gunfire or rays of sunlight reflected by windows.

The New Yorker

The last rays of sunlight are glowing on the upper deck.

The New York Times - Sports

The fog was thinning, and there were rays of sunlight here and there.

The New Yorker

Below us, the churning waters of the sea reflected the last rays of sunlight.

The New York Times - Travel

Romney needed gloom and doom on the economy, but Obama got some rays of sunlight.

The New York Times

Back in May, I had taken a walk outside, alone in the last rays of sunlight.

The New York Times

The green flash is caused by rays of sunlight refracting (bending) in the atmosphere.

Cornell University

Rays of sunlight caught the crests of the green waves, the spray, our boards and the now-deserted beach beyond.

The Guardian - Travel

When security escorted them out through the emergency exits, the opened doors shot rays of sunlight across the theater.

The Guardian

When I woke up, bright rays of sunlight were streaming through the Venetian blinds on the windows.

The New Yorker

The last rays of sunlight gilded the windows and cast long, angel-shaped shadows on the grass.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rays of sunlight" to evoke a sense of warmth, hope, or clarity in your writing. It's particularly effective in descriptive passages or when symbolizing positive change.

Common error

Avoid using "rays of sunlight" in strictly scientific or technical writing where more precise terms like "solar radiation" or "insolation" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rays of sunlight" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It describes a visual and sensory experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "rays of sunlight" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase, predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts. It effectively evokes imagery of warmth, hope, and clarity, making it a powerful tool in descriptive and figurative writing. While generally neutral in register, overuse in strict scientific contexts should be avoided. Related phrases include "sunbeams", "shafts of light", and "sun's rays", each offering subtle variations in emphasis and connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sunbeams

A more concise and common synonym, simply referring to beams of sunlight.

sun's rays

A direct synonym, highlighting the source of the light.

shafts of light

Emphasizes the shape and direction of the sunlight, often used in a more descriptive context.

sunlight streaming

Focuses on the action of the sunlight as it enters a space or scene.

golden light

Highlights the color and warmth associated with sunlight, especially during sunrise or sunset.

dappled sunlight

Refers to sunlight that is filtered through leaves or other objects, creating a patchy pattern.

blaze of sunlight

Emphasizes the intense and bright nature of the sunlight.

sun-kissed

Describes something that has been touched by sunlight, often implying warmth and health.

first light

Specifically refers to the sunlight appearing at dawn.

solar illumination

A more technical and formal term for the presence of sunlight.

FAQs

How can I use "rays of sunlight" in a sentence?

You can use "rays of sunlight" to describe the visual effect of sunlight, like: "The "rays of sunlight" streamed through the clouds." It can also be used figuratively to suggest hope or positivity: "A word of encouragement was like "rays of sunlight" in a dark time."

What are some synonyms for "rays of sunlight"?

Alternatives to "rays of sunlight" include "sunbeams", "shafts of light", or "sun's rays". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "rays of sunlight" or "beams of sunlight"?

Both "rays of sunlight" and "beams of sunlight" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Rays" might suggest a more diffuse or widespread presence of light, while "beams" may imply a more focused and directed stream of light.

When is it more appropriate to use "solar radiation" instead of "rays of sunlight"?

Use "solar radiation" in scientific or technical contexts where you need to be precise about the energy and physical properties of sunlight. "Rays of sunlight" is more appropriate for descriptive or figurative writing.