streak of lightning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "streak of lightning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a flash or bolt of lightning that appears as a long, bright line in the sky during a storm. Example: "As the storm approached, a streak of lightning illuminated the darkened sky, followed by a loud clap of thunder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Nicknamed the Human Streak of Lightning, Bey dazzled with unprecedented racket skills and exceptional speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Her forehand drive is deadly, a streak of lightning, and her backhand, which ordinarily is purely a defensive stroke with most women, and with most men, too, is also a strong attacking weapon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Faster than a streak of lightning, the moody "Man of Steel" over the weekend resuscitated a director's career (Zack Snyder), minted a new movie star (Henry Cavill) and reversed a soft streak for Hollywood's biggest studio (Warner Brothers).

The New York Times

It's those propulsive, breathtaking, suffocating forces inside us that make those moments so vivid and shocking, it's what's inside us that cracks the landscape open, shocking and illuminating like a streak of lightning.

The New Yorker

In London they want to install a gigantic Tesla coil between the smokestacks of Battersea Power Station, so that an electric bolt may strike on occasion, sending a streak of lightning fizzing across the sky.

The Guardian

A streak of lightning jagged down the sky.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The memoirs just came out like streaks of lightning; I raced to catch up with them.

The Guardian - Books

Lava dances down the mountain like streaks of lightning, turning the forest into a desert of ash.

The Guardian

Alisia attacks by shooting streaks of lightning from her hands.

Wikipedia

A garbage-truck driver is surprised by streaks of blue lightning; from a quick explosion, the Michelangelo-esque nude from the future turns up on the tarmac, unfolding the unnatural perfection of his form.

The New Yorker

CLINTON GOLFS IN RAIN, LIGHTNING: Flashes of lightning streaked the late-night sky and a hard rain lashed President Clinton's motorcade at the end of a long day of summit meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "streak of lightning" to vividly describe sudden bursts of speed, energy, or illumination in both literal and figurative contexts. It's a strong image for impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "streak of lightning" in overly predictable or clichéd situations. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternative descriptions for variety and originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "streak of lightning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe something that moves with great speed or happens very suddenly. As Ludwig AI highlights, it effectively conveys a sense of suddenness and power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "streak of lightning" is a grammatically sound and vivid noun phrase primarily employed to describe sudden bursts of speed or illumination, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its aptness and the contexts from the provided examples are varied, although predominantly leaning towards news and media, suggesting a neutral register. For a more diverse descriptive palette, alternatives like "flash of lightning" or "bolt of lightning" can be considered, depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. By understanding its function and potential overuse, writers can harness the full impact of this electrifying phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flash of lightning

Focuses on the sudden burst of light rather than the linear appearance.

bolt of lightning

Emphasizes the power and force of the lightning strike.

lightning bolt

Another common term emphasizing the force and directionality of the lightning.

lightning flash

A more concise way to describe the event of lightning.

lightning strike

Highlights the impact of the lightning on a specific point.

electrical discharge

A scientific term describing the physical phenomenon of lightning.

arc of electricity

Focuses on the curved path that lightning often takes.

sudden illumination

Highlights the abrupt and intense brightening caused by lightning.

celestial spark

A more poetic and descriptive term for lightning.

atmospheric discharge

A formal term highlighting the atmospheric nature of lightning.

FAQs

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

You can use "streak of lightning" to describe a sudden flash of light in the sky, or metaphorically to describe something moving very fast or happening suddenly. For example, "A "streak of lightning" illuminated the dark forest", or "Her career took off like a "streak of lightning"".

What are some alternatives to "streak of lightning"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "flash of lightning", "bolt of lightning", or if using it metaphorically, "sudden burst" or "rapid increase".

Is "streak of lightning" a literal or figurative phrase?

"Streak of lightning" can be both. Literally, it describes the visual phenomenon of lightning. Figuratively, it describes something that is very fast or sudden. Its figurative meaning is linked to the speed and suddenness of "lightning".

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

While both refer to lightning, ""streak of lightning"" emphasizes the visual aspect of a line or streak of light, whereas "flash of lightning" focuses on the sudden burst of light itself. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the shape or the suddenness.