sunlight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sunlight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the light that comes from the sun, often in contexts related to nature, weather, or health. Example: "The garden flourished under the warm sunlight, attracting various butterflies and bees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For cities shadows present both a technical challenge – one that can be modelled in 3D and measured in "theoretical annual sunlight hours" lost – and an ethereal one, changing the feeling of space and the value of property in ways that are hard to define.

The Guardian

Because it is deciduous, sunlight in winter is maximised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Taller grass stems and particularly their flowers stand above their neighbours, so they can be more readily backlit by the low sunlight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soot, when it falls on snowy areas such as the Arctic and high mountains, causes the earth to absorb more sunlight, instead of reflecting it as snow does.

The Guardian

Don Sotero leaned on the stable door that led into his yard and squinted into the searingly bright sunlight of the dusty street.

The Guardian - Travel

Once one of Asia's biggest, Jaffna library was destroyed by a mob in 1981; now rebuilt, it is a harmonious place where ceiling fans whirr and polished wood glows in the sunlight as men of all ages peruse newspapers.

The Guardian - Travel

Maybe, just maybe, the dark clouds that have glowered over efforts to tackle global warming for years are starting to disperse and let the sunlight in.

The Guardian

Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight was involved in 55,900 cases and inadequate physical activity in 16,500.

The Guardian

If sunlight is the best disinfectant, is it time to apply a little – or perhaps a lot – to the hiring practices in the public and private sector?

The Guardian

The red carpet runs up the steps of the Palais, bathed in sunlight, patrolled by goons, and overlooked by the milling crowds down on the Croisette.

The Guardian - Film

Ammil is a Devon term for the thin film of ice that lacquers all leaves, twigs and grass blades when a freeze follows a partial thaw, and that in sunlight can cause a whole landscape to glitter.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of outdoor activities, emphasize the positive impact of "sunlight" on both physical and mental well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "sunlight" excessively in metaphorical senses (e.g., "sunlight of truth") if a more direct word like clarity or exposure would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sunlight" is as a noun. It typically refers to the light emitted by the sun or, metaphorically, to something that brings clarity or joy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Lifestyle

18%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Tech

3%

Opinion

3%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sunlight" is a grammatically correct and very common noun referring to the light from the sun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, and it appears frequently in contexts related to News & Media, Lifestyle, and Travel. While mainly neutral, its register can shift depending on the context and its use is versatile, applicable in scientific discussion as well as casual conversation. When writing, it's best to use "sunlight" directly to describe light and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts where other words might better suit. Its related terms include "sunshine" and "solar illumination", offering alternative ways to express related concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sunshine

Similar in meaning, but often evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness.

sun's rays

Focuses specifically on the beams of light emitted by the sun.

sunbeam

Specifically denotes a ray of sunlight.

solar illumination

Emphasizes the technical or scientific aspect of light provided by the sun.

solar brightness

Emphasizes the intensity and clarity of the light from the sun.

solar radiation

Highlights the energy aspect of sunlight, often used in scientific contexts.

daylight

Refers to the general light available during the day, not necessarily direct sunlight.

natural light

Broader term including any light source that is not artificial, including light coming through a window.

solar energy

Concentrates on energy harnessed from the sun.

sun's glare

Refers to an intense, often blinding light from the sun.

FAQs

How can I use "sunlight" in a sentence?

You can use "sunlight" to describe the light from the sun, such as, "The plants need plenty of sunlight to grow" or "She enjoys basking in the warm sunlight".

What's a good substitute for the word "sunlight"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "sunshine", "solar illumination", or "sun's rays" as alternatives to "sunlight".

Is it correct to say "the sunlight is shining"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say "the sunlight is shining". It's a common way to describe the presence of sunlight.

What is the difference between "sunlight" and "daylight"?

"Sunlight" refers specifically to the light that comes directly from the sun, while "daylight" refers to the ambient light available during the day, which could be influenced by weather or time of day.