sunshine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sunshine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a literal beam of sunlight, or as a metaphor for happiness and optimism. For example, you could say: "The sunshine of her smile always brightened my day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film held well on Friday and Saturday, then wilted in the Sunday sunshine.

The Guardian - Film

Farmers had a vested interest in killing foxes, which preyed on their livestock; a hobby rider out for an enjoyable day's riding in the autumn sunshine doesn't really care what is being pursued, a fox or a scented rag.

The Guardian

Signifying sunshine, beauty and freedom, butterflies are ubiquitous in our culture, ever-present on greeting cards and used to sell everything from oven chips to SUVs.

The Guardian - Film

The young Cameron swore to "let sunshine win the day", and nobody beamed the optimistic, inclusive rays of compassionate Conservatism quite like Gove.

The Guardian

The waterfront has been redeveloped and the park totally remodelled – it is now packed with families strolling in the summer sunshine or skating on its frozen paths, depending on the time of year.

The Guardian

October high: 24C The Greek islands can lose their lustre out of season, but southern Crete falls into the north African climatic zone and basks in sunshine long after other resorts have put up the shutters.

The Guardian - Travel

Britons are expected to flock to parks and beaches and get out their barbecues to make the most of the period of sunshine, which starts on Wednesday.

The Guardian

People holiday abroad to get guaranteed sunshine, but to me, exploring the island where I was born, but rarely get to see, is far more of a joy than sitting on a beach, slowly going pink.

The Guardian - Travel

"Why wouldn't you when it multiplies your chances of getting a show made in a writer's market?" Not that it's all sunshine and roses.

The Guardian

The weather forecast is a little better for Friday – bright sunshine still but slightly stronger breezes.

The Guardian - Sport

And so, soon afterwards, a conga line featuring an extraordinary array of different sexualities, ethnicities and outfits sashays across the street in the spring sunshine with a PA machine playing Sister Sledge's We Are Family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sunshine" not only literally to describe the sun's rays, but also metaphorically to depict happiness, optimism, or a positive influence. This adds depth and vibrancy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "sunshine" as a metaphor, as it can become cliché. Instead, vary your descriptions with other positive imagery or concrete examples of happiness and positivity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sunshine" is as a noun, referring to the direct light and warmth of the sun. It can also function as a metaphor for happiness or positivity, as Ludwig indicates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Travel

9%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Film

3%

Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sunshine" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe the light and warmth of the sun. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, often extending metaphorically to represent happiness and positivity. With a neutral register, "sunshine" appears frequently in News & Media, Travel and Lifestyle contexts. Be mindful to avoid overuse of the metaphorical sense to keep your writing fresh and engaging. Ludwig's examples offer a diverse range of applications demonstrating its flexibility and broad appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sunlight

Refers specifically to the light emitted by the sun.

solar rays

Emphasizes the radiant energy from the sun.

warmth of the sun

Highlights the feeling of heat provided by the sun.

sunny weather

Describes the atmospheric conditions characterized by the presence of sun.

bright days

Focuses on the luminosity and clarity of days filled with sun.

radiant beams

Emphasizes the shining nature of sun's rays.

light of day

Highlights the general presence of illumination from the sun.

cheerful disposition

Uses "sunshine" as a metaphor for happiness and optimism.

sunny outlook

Relates to a positive and hopeful perspective, similar to the feeling of "sunshine".

source of joy

Captures the essence of "sunshine" as something that brings happiness and pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "sunshine" in a sentence?

You can use "sunshine" to describe literal sunlight, as in "We enjoyed the warm sunshine on the beach". It can also be used metaphorically to describe happiness, like "Her smile brought sunshine into my life".

What are some synonyms for "sunshine"?

Alternatives include "sunlight" for the literal sense and phrases like "cheerfulness" or "joy" for the metaphorical sense.

Is it correct to use "sunshine" as an adjective?

Yes, "sunshine" can be used as an adjective, particularly in the term "sunshine law", which refers to laws promoting government transparency. However, this usage is specific and less common than its use as a noun.

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

"Sunshine" often implies the overall experience of the sun's light and warmth, while "sunlight" refers more specifically to the light itself. You might say "We basked in the sunshine" but also "Sunlight streamed through the window".