shining on

USAGE SUMMARY

"shining on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe light or attention being directed towards something. Example: "The sun was shining on the lake, creating a beautiful reflection." Alternative expressions include "illuminating," "casting light on," and "radiating onto."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the spotlight is shining on just one city.

TechCrunch

Then snowflakes started to fall, each one illuminated by the bright spotlights shining on the flags.

The Guardian - Sport

It's "The Shining" on the Mediterranean.

The New York Times - Magazine

Light shining on water's skin, flowing tremors . .

The New Yorker

We are that city shining on a hill.

The New Yorker

The sun is shining on Lotus's Norfolk factory.

Independent

"It's time there was a light shining on this.

The Guardian - Film

The sun is shining on you here, you know.

The Guardian - Sport

"If the light shining on you," Franklin said.

The New Yorker

There's a light shining on us this morning".

The New York Times

Gümüş servi means "moonlight shining on the water" in Turkish.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shining on" to describe both literal light and figurative attention or favor. For example, "The sun was shining on the field" or "The spotlight is shining on the company's new product".

Common error

Avoid overusing "shining on" in highly formal or technical writing. While acceptable in many contexts, more precise language may be appropriate in academic or scientific papers. Instead of "the research is shining on new possibilities", consider "the research illuminates new possibilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shining on" primarily functions as a descriptive element, indicating the presence of light or the act of illuminating. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "shining on" is a versatile and commonly used expression, primarily functioning to describe illumination or to draw attention to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. While it can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose more precise language for highly formal or technical writing. Common contexts include News & Media and Science, with the most authoritative sources being The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC. Remember to use "shining on" to describe both physical light and figurative attention and consider synonyms such as "illuminating" or "highlighting" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illuminating

Focuses on the act of providing light, often in a literal sense. Less idiomatic than "shining on".

casting light upon

More formal and emphasizes the act of directing light onto something.

radiating on

Emphasizes the emission of light or energy. Less common in figurative contexts.

beaming on

Implies a strong, focused light, often with positive connotations.

gleaming on

Suggests a soft, reflected light, often associated with beauty or purity.

favoring

Shifts the meaning to showing support or preference, losing the literal light aspect.

focusing on

Emphasizes attention or concentration, rather than physical light.

highlighting

Draws attention to something, often to emphasize its importance.

spotlighting

Similar to highlighting, but implies a more intense and directed focus.

smiling upon

Figurative and implies divine favor or blessing, straying far from literal light.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "shining on" something else?

The phrase "shining on" can have both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it means light is illuminating something. Figuratively, it can mean that something is receiving attention or favor. For example, "The sun was shining on the lake", or "The media spotlight is "shining on" the new discovery".

What are some synonyms for "shining on" when referring to light?

When "shining on" refers to light, you can use synonyms like "illuminating", "beaming on", or "radiating on". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "shining on" in a sentence?

You can use "shining on" in a sentence to describe a literal or figurative light source. For example, "The stage lights were "shining on" the actors", or "Good fortune is "shining on" their endeavors".

What's the difference between "shining on" and "focusing on"?

"Shining on" implies illumination, either literally with light or figuratively with attention. "Focusing on", on the other hand, means concentrating on something specific. While there can be overlap (e.g., a spotlight focusing on a subject), "focusing on" doesn't necessarily imply the positive or illuminating aspect of "shining on".