sharp lighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp lighting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe lighting that is bright, intense, or creates strong contrasts, often in photography, film, or art contexts. Example: "The sharp lighting in the photograph accentuated the subject's features, creating a dramatic effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Indeed, when the couple listed their specifications for the renovation, along with the usual modernist requests (sharp lighting, white rooms, no skirting boards), there were some additional needs that gave the game away: plinths, reinforced floors, a fitting for a large refrigeration unit which might, one day, house Quinn's blood sculptures.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The low-angled sun casts sharp light and extended shadows.

The New York Times

Episodes (directed by five separate filmmakers) ranged in tone from sharp light comedy to black irony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It pulsated slowly and looked bluish in the sharp light of the lamps.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a crisis for science and it's the crisis that Science shines a sharp light on this week.

The Guardian

WHEN sharp lights beamed through his windows in the dead of one January night in 2010, in the village of Khatawa in Paktia Province, Haji Sharabuddin feared Taliban militants had come to attack his family.

The Economist

) He then mimed sliding a toy car down a ramp ("But don't drag; push right into the next beat"), whisking eggs ("Keep the sound vibrant"), and swatting a Ping-Pong ball ("Give the phrase a sharp, light bounce").

The New Yorker

And the city's hillside shanty-towns are swelling as people pour in to escape the guerrillas who flourish in the countryside around.This weekend's election throws a sharp light on their misery, and the stark divisions within Colombia.

The Economist

The back-to-back appearances before the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials cast a sharp light on a topic that has divided the country in recent years, particularly as jobs have grown scarcer since the financial crisis of 2008.

The New York Times

Following a public inquiry, he described the idea as "fundamentally flawed".The battle of Free Trade Hall casts a sharp light on efforts to regenerate Britain's old industrial cities.

The Economist

To slow the Cherokee, I lowered the flaps somewhat, and looked down into those black crevices among the mountains – hideous cuts and abysses carved out by the sun's sharp light.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual aesthetics, consider using "sharp lighting" to convey a sense of modernity, clarity, or drama in photography, interior design, or film. This can help create a distinct atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp lighting" in everyday conversations where simpler terms like "bright" or "clear" might suffice. Reserve it for situations where the intensity or distinct quality of light is crucial to the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp lighting" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate a specific quality of light. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sharp lighting" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe light that is intense, clear, and creates strong contrasts. While not overly common, it is appropriate in various formal and informal contexts, particularly in visual arts, design, and photography. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across a range of reputable sources, reinforcing its validity and providing helpful context for writers. Though other phrases can convey similar ideas, "sharp lighting" offers a specific nuance that captures the distinct quality of intense illumination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense illumination

Focuses on the strength and power of the light.

crisp lighting

Emphasizes the clarity and definition of the light.

vivid lighting

Highlights the striking and vibrant nature of the light.

bright illumination

Simply refers to the general brightness of the light.

focused light

Describes light that is directed and concentrated.

harsh light

Highlights the severe and sometimes unflattering nature of the light.

clear lighting

Focuses on the absence of obstruction and the purity of light.

defined lighting

Describes the light by the quality of being well-defined.

acute lighting

Emphasizes the precision and detail of the light.

high-contrast lighting

Describes lighting that produces strong differences between light and dark areas.

FAQs

How can I use "sharp lighting" in a sentence?

You can use "sharp lighting" to describe various settings. For instance, "The photographer used /s/sharp+lighting to highlight the model's features" or "The interior design incorporated /s/sharp+lighting to create a modern aesthetic".

What are some alternatives to "sharp lighting"?

Alternatives include "intense illumination", "crisp lighting", or "vivid lighting", depending on the specific aspect of the light you want to emphasize. See also: "bright illumination".

Is it appropriate to use "sharp lighting" in formal writing?

Yes, "sharp lighting" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing visual arts, interior design, or photography. However, consider the context and whether a simpler term would be more effective.

What does "sharp lighting" imply?

"Sharp lighting" implies a clear, intense, and often dramatic form of illumination. It suggests the presence of strong contrasts and well-defined shadows, enhancing the visual impact of the subject.