shade of blue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shade of blue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific variation or tone of the color blue. Example: "The artist chose a beautiful shade of blue for the sky in her painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a startling shade of blue.

The New Yorker

The Missing Shade of Blue: A Philosophical Adventure.

The Economist

They sport every shade of blue imaginable.

The New York Times

HONDA -- Distinctive logo and shade of blue.

The New York Times - Travel

The sky would always be this shade of blue.

The New Yorker

"I look nauseating in that shade of blue," she said.

The New York Times

The sky is a beautiful shade of blue.

The Guardian - Travel

The seats will be a beautiful shade of blue.

The New York Times - Sports

Describes the shade of blue of the sky on different days during his term of office.

The New Yorker

They wore matching cotton suits of the palest, most pleasing shade of blue imaginable.

The New York Times

The sky, in the pictures, is a brilliant shade of blue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something visual, use "shade of blue" to specify a particular variation of blue, providing more descriptive detail than just saying "blue".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "shade of blue" when simply referring to the general color blue. Be specific in your descriptions to justify the use of the term; otherwise, use "blue" for general references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shade of blue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples include "a startling shade of blue" or "the right shade of blue".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shade of blue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe specific variations of the color blue across diverse contexts such as News & Media, encyclopedias, and wikis. While alternatives like "hue of blue" or "tone of blue" exist for nuanced expression, it’s important to use "shade of blue" when specificity is key. Remember to avoid overuse in generalized contexts and always aim for descriptive accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hue of blue

Focuses specifically on the pure color characteristic, excluding lightness or saturation.

tone of blue

Refers to the lightness or darkness of the blue color.

tint of blue

Suggests a lighter version of blue, often mixed with white.

color of blue

A more general term, simply referring to the blue color without specifying its variation.

variation of blue

Indicates any alteration or modification of the standard blue color.

version of blue

Similar to 'variation', suggesting a specific form or type of blue.

nuance of blue

Implies a subtle difference or delicate quality in the blue color.

cast of blue

Describes a slight hint or influence of blue in another color or surface.

aspect of blue

Indicates a particular feature or characteristic of the blue color.

form of blue

Denotes a specific type or presentation of the color blue.

FAQs

How can I accurately describe a "shade of blue"?

To accurately describe a "shade of blue", use descriptive adjectives like "light", "dark", "sky", "navy", or "steel" before "shade of blue". You can also compare it to specific objects or colors, such as "the shade of blue of the ocean".

What are some common "shades of blue"?

Some common "shades of blue" include navy blue, sky blue, royal blue, teal, and cerulean. The specific term depends on the precise hue and saturation of the "colour of blue".

Is it more appropriate to say "shade of blue" or "hue of blue"?

"Shade of blue" refers to a specific variation within the blue color spectrum, considering lightness and darkness. "Hue of blue" refers to the pure color quality without considering its tint or "tone of blue". The best choice depends on the context.

When should I use "shade of blue" instead of just "blue"?

Use "shade of blue" when you need to be specific about the particular tint, tone, or variation of the color. If you're referring to the general color, simply use "blue".