source of illumination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of illumination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that provides light or clarity, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The sun is the primary source of illumination for our planet, providing light and warmth to sustain life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no other source of illumination in the room, and we verified that the booths did not illuminate each other.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

There is no other source of illumination.

The New Yorker

With no windows, it was our only source of illumination.

The Guardian

As in Florence, the main source of illumination is daylight.

The Economist

For Anna, however, Stephen's letters are a diversion — interesting without being a significant source of illumination.

The New York Times - Books

But the metasurface raises the possibility of other mechanisms, such as an artificial source of illumination.

MIT Technology Review

(c) Place the source of illumination 100 feet from the red reflex reflective material (Figure 2).

Cornell University

(d) Place the observation point directly above the source of illumination (Figure 2).

Cornell University

Until we got our lights set up, the fire was the only source of illumination.

The New York Times

Radar is an "active" sensing device in that it has its own source of illumination (a transmitter) for locating targets.

Britannica

(b) Use a lamp with a tungsten filament operating at 2856° Kelvin color temperature as the source of illumination.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the literal origin of light, use "source of illumination". For metaphorical uses, consider alternatives like "source of enlightenment" or "inspiration" to avoid sounding too technical.

Common error

While "source of illumination" can be used metaphorically, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for more vivid and contextually appropriate alternatives like "inspiration", "clarification", or "insight" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of illumination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or cause of light. It is used to denote anything that emits light, be it a physical object or a metaphorical concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "source of illumination" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that identifies the origin of light, both literally and metaphorically. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in Science, News & Media, and Academic contexts. While versatile, alternatives like "light source" or "illuminating agent" may be more appropriate in certain situations. When using it metaphorically, be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is safe to use it in both formal and informal contexts, even if it is best suited for academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illumination source

This alternative is a slight reordering of the original phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

light source

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to refer to something that emits light.

provider of light

This alternative highlights the function of supplying light.

origin of light

This alternative specifies the starting point or beginning of light.

generator of light

This alternative explicitly states the creation or production of light.

illuminating agent

This alternative emphasizes the active role of the source in providing light.

emitting object

This alternative is a general term for any object that releases light.

radiant body

This alternative focuses on objects that emit radiation, especially light.

luminary

This alternative suggests a prominent or well-known source of light, often used metaphorically.

beacon of light

This alternative implies a guiding or signaling light.

FAQs

What does "source of illumination" mean?

The phrase "source of illumination" refers to anything that provides light, whether literally (like a lamp) or metaphorically (like an idea that clarifies a concept).

What can I say instead of "source of illumination"?

You can use alternatives like "light source", "illuminating agent", or "origin of light" depending on the context.

Is "source of illumination" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "source of illumination" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards a more neutral or slightly formal register.

How to use "source of illumination" in a sentence?

You can use "source of illumination" to describe anything that emits light or provides clarity. For example, "The sun is the primary source of illumination during the day" or "Her research was a source of illumination on a complex topic".