to put light on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to put light on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that provides further insight into a subject. For example, "This article puts light on the importance of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

After you put lights on the tree, try putting lights on the mantle, but be sure to lay some cedar boughs on top of the lights too.

WikiHow

To see something clearly, either in reality or metaphorically, you need to put some light on it.

BBC

Put light pressure on your ears.

WikiHow

Put light clothing on top of it.

WikiHow

I wanted to put on the light, but what if the light didn't come on?

The Guardian - Books

On the English version, go to your Inventory and put on something else.

WikiHow

Never put lit candles on a tree.

WikiHow

He might be closer to our parents' age than ours, but something about this dancefloor classic makes us want to put on the "Red Lights".

Vice

"I think that we're going to shine a light on something that a lot of people don't want to look at" is how American Civil Liberties Union attorney Denney LeBoeuf put it, according to The New York Times on Saturday.

Huffington Post

Reaching up to change a light bulb or to put something on a shelf would be difficult with a torn triceps.

The New York Times - Sports

Put on something comfortable to wear inside.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put light on something" when you want to emphasize the act of making something clearer or more understandable. It's suitable when discussing insights or revelations about a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "to put light on something" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "explain" or "clarify" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put light on something" functions as a phrasal verb that often acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It indicates the action of clarifying, illuminating, or providing insight into a particular subject or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to put light on something" functions as a phrasal verb that is used to describe the action of clarifying or illuminating a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as common as similar phrases like "shed light on", it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific discussions, and wiki articles. When writing, consider whether a simpler or more common alternative might be more appropriate depending on the level of formality required. The phrase aims to inform and explain, enhancing understanding by drawing out insights on different subject matters. The register is neutral and should be used according to the context of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed light on something

Focuses on revealing or clarifying something previously not well understood.

illuminate something

Emphasizes making something clearer or more understandable through detailed explanation.

clarify something

Highlights the process of making something easier to understand, often by removing ambiguities.

elucidate something

Suggests a more formal and detailed explanation to make something clear.

highlight something

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific aspect to emphasize its importance.

underscore something

Emphasizes the importance of something by drawing attention to it.

bring something to the fore

Emphasizes bringing something into prominence or attention.

draw attention to something

Focuses on making something noticeable.

focus attention on something

Highlights directing concentration and scrutiny to a particular subject.

call attention to something

Similar to drawing attention, but can also imply a deliberate act of making something known.

FAQs

How can I use "to put light on something" in a sentence?

You can use "to put light on something" to describe the act of clarifying or revealing information about a subject. For example, "This research aims "to put light on something" that was previously misunderstood".

What is a more common alternative to "to put light on something"?

A more common alternative is "shed light on". It conveys a similar meaning of clarifying or revealing information but is generally more frequently used.

How does "to put light on something" differ from "shed light on"?

While both phrases are similar, "shed light on" is the more idiomatic and commonly used expression. "To put light on something" is less frequent but still conveys the idea of illuminating or clarifying a topic. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "to put light on something" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "to put light on something" can be used in formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the deliberate action of making something clearer. However, consider the context and whether a more common phrase like "clarify" or "illuminate" might be more appropriate.