sparkling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sparkling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that shines brightly or is full of energy and life, often in reference to drinks, eyes, or personalities. Example: "Her sparkling personality made her the life of the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Makes around 1 litre Juice of 2 pink grapefruits Juice of 1 lemon ½ litre cold water, sparkling or still 3-4 tbsp honey A small handful of fresh mint leaves Crushed ice or ice cubes Slices of lemon and grapefruit 1 Combine the fruit juices in a pitcher and, if serving straight away, add the mint leaves, crushing them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or book the train direct at trenecuador.com, three-day trip US$1,055, four days $1,270 The Chapada Diamantina national park in the state of Bahia is a beautiful area of dramatic flat-topped mountains, waterfalls, sparkling blue pools and lush rainforest.

The Guardian - Travel

She is superbly played with sparkling charm and warmth by Marion Bailey.

The Guardian - Film

His blue eyes sparkling, he says that he now understands what drew Cezanne and Caravaggio to the same subject.

The Guardian - Arts

The skyscraper makes a strikingly beautiful centrepiece for Downtown Dubai, a business-cum-residential complex where what was a patch of dust now prickles with cranes and sparkling new high-rises.

The Economist

APPEARANCES often deceive, but, in one respect at least, the visitor's first impression of Chicago* is likely to be correct: this is a city buzzing with life, humming with prosperity, sparkling with new buildings, new sculptures, new parks, and generally exuding vitality.

The Economist

Wine consumption by countryAMERICANS glugged more still and sparkling wine than any other country last year.

The Economist

By that time he was sparkling like a princely fireworks display.

The Economist

The liquid lunch is a rarity: New Yorkers stick to sparkling mineral water.10.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their invention could be used to make a sparkling substitute for paint, banknotes that are hard to counterfeit and chemical sensors that can act as visible sell-by dates.Opals get their milky sheen and rainbow sparkle from the way light is scattered by the tiny crystals that form them.

The Economist

Italian prosecco does not pay the Schaumweinsteuer ("sparkling-wine tax") of €1.02 ($1.34) a bottle.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sparkling" to add vividness when describing light, beverages, or personalities. It evokes a sense of liveliness and visual appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "sparkling" excessively in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and neutral terms like "shining" or "effervescent" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

Adjective: "Sparkling" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of emitting or reflecting light in a lively, animated way. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use with nouns like "eyes", "sea", and "new facilities". According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sparkling" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that emits or reflects light in a lively, animated way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used. With 51 examples from reputable sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, its common usage spans contexts from describing a "sparkling river" to a "sparkling personality". While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, opting for more precise alternatives like "radiant" or "brilliant" depending on the context. Related phrases like "effervescent", "glittering", and "shimmering" offer nuanced alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effervescent

Emphasizes the bubbly and lively quality, especially in beverages or personalities.

glittering

Focuses on the visual aspect of reflecting light intensely.

shimmering

Suggests a softer, more subtle reflection of light.

gleaming

Implies a bright and clean shine.

scintillating

Highlights the exciting and stimulating nature.

vivacious

Specifically describes someone full of energy and enthusiasm.

bubbly

Conveys a lighthearted and cheerful quality.

radiant

Indicates a glowing and beaming quality.

brilliant

Highlights exceptional quality or intellect.

effulgent

Suggests a shining intensely and radiating brightly.

FAQs

How can I use "sparkling" in a sentence?

"Sparkling" can be used to describe something that shines brightly or is full of life. For example, "The "sparkling sea"" or "Her "sparkling personality" made her the life of the party."

What are some synonyms for "sparkling"?

Alternatives include "glittering", "shimmering", or "effervescent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sparkling" in formal writing?

While "sparkling" is generally acceptable, it may be too informal for some contexts. Consider using more neutral or precise alternatives like "radiant" or "brilliant".

What's the difference between "sparkling" and "glittering"?

"Sparkling" generally implies a lively, energetic shine, while "glittering" suggests a more intense, scattered reflection of light, often from many small surfaces.