streak of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "streak of light" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe something like a beam of light or a streak of lightning in a stormy sky. For example: "The sky darkened as night fell, but was punctuated by a streak of light from the sudden flash of lightning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The sun was above the horizon, and a streak of light was shining on my face.

The New Yorker

Learning and going, I want to abide with, not blight, my waking to the streak of light at night.

The New York Times

Up he came like a streak of light, like a... PUNTERS: Aren't you going to say his name?

The Guardian - Sport

Meteor: the streak of light seen when a space rock — an asteroid or a comet — enters the atmosphere and starts burning up.

The New York Times

In the top half a sliver of gray marks the horizon, a plane leaving an L-shaped streak of light in the inky sky.

The New York Times - Arts

On the horizon a streak of light, and above it immensely large dark grey clouds, from which one could see the rain coming down in slanting streaks.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

There's so much to enjoy in this adaptation of Susanna Clarke's novel, not least the streak of light-heartedness that runs right through it.

Independent

Cafe Tacuba, one of the cornerstones of Latin alternative rock, is a smart, cosmopolitan band with a streak of light-hearted surrealism.

The New York Times

How about you give me a clue?" Robert turned away from the streak of lights and looked at Paulette.

The New Yorker

For example, the word beaiveluosttat signifies "reindeer with a streak of lighter hair along the side with thicker, more even hair than on the rest of its body, this streak only appearing in the reindeer's third year", while liidneoaivi means "a reindeer with a white head, but not one whose body is spotted".

The Guardian - Books

His/their relief was apparent when The Great One sparked the faux cauldron via a rising streak of lighter fluid along one of the three remaining legs and trotted out of the arena to downtown Vancouver to ignite the obligatory outdoor cauldron.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing astronomical events like meteors or rocket launches, use "streak of light" to vividly capture the visual effect of rapid movement across the sky.

Common error

While "streak of light" is suitable for literal descriptions, avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where more nuanced terms like "glimmer of hope" or "ray of optimism" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "streak of light" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It commonly describes a visual phenomenon, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, where a line of light is quickly observed across a background, such as the sky.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "streak of light" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a line of light, frequently observed in contexts like astronomy and photography. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's prevalent in news and academic sources, indicating its versatility across various writing styles. While semantically related alternatives such as "beam of light" and "ray of light" exist, "streak of light" specifically emphasizes the transient nature and visual path of the light. Remember to use it accurately and avoid overuse in metaphorical senses, opting for more precise language when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beam of light

Focuses more on the continuous nature and direction of light.

ray of light

Emphasizes the linear path and source of the light.

shaft of light

Highlights the shape and penetration of light through an opening.

flash of light

Conveys a sudden and brief burst of light.

glimmer of light

Suggests a faint or weak source of light.

gleam of light

Implies a reflected or sparkling light.

burst of light

Indicates a sudden and intense emanation of light.

ribbon of light

Describes a long, narrow and winding line of light.

thread of light

Emphasizes the thin and delicate nature of the light.

line of light

Focuses on the straight and defined path of light.

FAQs

How can I use "streak of light" in a sentence?

You can use "streak of light" to describe phenomena like meteors, lasers, or even reflections. For example, "A "meteor" left a "streak of light" across the night sky".

What can I say instead of "streak of light"?

You can use alternatives like "beam of light", "ray of light", or "flash of light" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "stripe of light" instead of "streak of light"?

While "stripe of light" is understandable, "streak of light" is more commonly used to describe a fleeting or dynamic instance of light. "Stripe" usually refers to a more static and defined band.

What's the difference between "streak of light" and "flash of light"?

"Streak of light" suggests movement and a trail, while "flash of light" describes a sudden, brief burst of illumination without necessarily implying motion.