washed in moonlight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "washed in moonlight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scene or an object that is illuminated or affected by the light of the moon, often evoking a sense of beauty or tranquility. Example: "The garden was washed in moonlight, creating a serene atmosphere that captivated everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then they went for more water, milked the goats, made dinner, and washed up in the moonlight.

Huffington Post

In another a patch of pale pink against a midnight-blue ground evokes a wash of moonlight.

The New York Times - Arts

Empty rack in yard, looking strange in moonlight.

The New Yorker

Singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe stars in Moonlight, alongside Naomie Harris.

The Guardian - Film

Years later he painted a work called "Prunus in Moonlight".

The New York Times - Books

Mahershala Ali in Moonlight 61.

Huffington Post

("Moonlight" is based on the play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue").

Huffington Post

Tarell Alvin McCraney's original title for Moonlight was "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue".

Huffington Post

"He was such an imposing figure in 'Moonlight,'" said Farrelly.

Los Angeles Times

"She was drowned in moonlight, strangled by her own bra".

Huffington Post

From Jesse's house we move on to locations such as the hideout of season one's Tuco Salamanca, the offices of crooked lawyer Saul Goodman (now a bar called Hooligans), the Octopus car wash that Walt moonlights for in episode one, an eventful street corner, a Denny's that featured once … All of which are, when you take a step back, too laughably banal to "ooh", "aah" and take pictures of.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "washed in moonlight" to create a vivid, serene image, particularly in descriptive writing about nature or nighttime settings. Ensure the subject can realistically be illuminated by moonlight for coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "washed in moonlight" when describing indoor scenes or situations where moonlight wouldn't naturally be present. Ensure the context aligns with a natural, moonlit environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "washed in moonlight" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It adds detail and imagery to the subject, indicating it is illuminated by the moon. Ludwig suggests the phrase is appropriate and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "washed in moonlight" is a descriptive and evocative expression used to depict scenes or objects illuminated by the moon. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for adding a sense of beauty and tranquility to writing. While "washed in moonlight" is not exceedingly common, it appears in various sources like news, media, and creative writing. Alternatives such as "bathed in moonlight" or "illuminated by moonlight" offer similar meanings, allowing writers to fine-tune their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bathed in moonlight

Replaces "washed" with "bathed", emphasizing a more immersive experience of moonlight.

drenched in moonlight

Similar to "washed", but suggests a heavier, more intense covering of moonlight.

illuminated by moonlight

Focuses on the light source directly, replacing the figurative "washed" with a literal description.

covered in moonlight

A more literal description of moonlight enveloping something.

glowing under the moon

Shifts the focus to the resulting glow from the moonlight, rather than the action of washing.

luminous under moonlight

Emphasizes the quality of being luminous due to the moonlight.

touched by moonlight

Suggests a gentle, delicate interaction with the moonlight.

in the moon's glow

Focuses on the general ambiance of the moon's glow.

kissed by moonlight

More poetic, suggesting a soft and gentle interaction with the moonlight.

silhouetted by the moon

Implies the moonlight is behind the object, creating a silhouette.

FAQs

How can I use "washed in moonlight" in a sentence?

You can use "washed in moonlight" to describe a scene or object that is illuminated by the moon, for example, "The garden was "washed in moonlight", creating a serene atmosphere."

What is the effect of using "washed in moonlight" in writing?

Using "washed in moonlight" evokes a sense of beauty, tranquility, and often a touch of the ethereal. It adds a layer of visual richness to descriptions.

What can I say instead of "washed in moonlight"?

You can use alternatives like "bathed in moonlight", "illuminated by moonlight", or "drenched in moonlight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what type of writing is "washed in moonlight" most appropriate?

"Washed in moonlight" is best suited for descriptive or creative writing, particularly when setting a scene or creating a specific mood related to nighttime or natural settings. It may not be suitable for formal or technical writing.