white light

USAGE SUMMARY

"white light" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the type of light that is composed of all colors of the visible spectrum, like sunlight or an LED bulb. For example: "The sky was filled with a brilliant white light at dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"White light, white light," he mulled.

The New Yorker

"White light in, white light out".

The New York Times - Science

White light is gone.

The New York Times

I saw this really white light".

The New Yorker

He eyes are full of white light.

The New Yorker

The front window washed with white light.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

White light-emitting diode.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Go for white light-not yellow!

WikiHow

Conversely, intense warm-white light looks dingy.

WikiHow

This enables certain white-light sources to be an option.

Optics and Lasers in Engineering

Enhanced white-light emission was observed in the nanocables.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing lighting conditions for photography or design, use "white light" to indicate a balanced spectrum that accurately renders colors.

Common error

Avoid using "white light" interchangeably with terms like "cool white" or "warm white". "White light" generally refers to a broad spectrum, while color temperature specifies the hue, ranging from bluish (cool) to reddish (warm).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "white light" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it denotes a type of light composed of a mixture of frequencies. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "white light" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase that describes light containing a broad spectrum of wavelengths. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid in English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and general discussions. While primarily neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the specific domain. The most common errors involve confusing it with specific color temperatures. Remember to use "white light" when referring to balanced, full-spectrum illumination, and avoid interchanging it with terms denoting specific hues, like cool white or warm white.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full spectrum light

Refers to a light source encompassing a wide range of wavelengths, similar to white light but emphasizes the completeness of the spectrum.

natural light

Emphasizes the origin of the light, specifically from the sun or other natural sources, which is often perceived as white light.

bright illumination

Focuses on the intensity and effect of the light, rather than its spectral composition.

clear light

Highlights the purity and lack of color distortion in the light.

daylight

Specifies the time of day when the light is present, which is typically associated with white light.

artificial light

Highlights that the light comes from an artificial source and does not come from the sun.

colorless light

Emphasizes the absence of any specific hue in the light.

pure light

Focuses on the unadulterated and clean nature of the light.

undifferentiated light

Refers to light that has not been separated into its constituent colors.

balanced light

Describes light with an equal distribution of colors, avoiding color casts.

FAQs

How is "white light" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "white light" is often used to describe a light source containing a broad spectrum of wavelengths, useful for various experiments and observations. For example, it can be used as a probe pulse.

What are some common applications of "white light"?

"White light" is commonly used in everyday lighting, photography, and scientific research. It provides a balanced illumination that accurately displays colors.

What are some alternatives to "white light" when describing general illumination?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, alternatives to "white light" include "full spectrum light", "natural light", or "bright illumination".

How does the term "white light" relate to color temperature?

"White light" itself does not specify color temperature. Color temperature describes the specific hue of white light, ranging from warm (reddish) to cool (bluish). Therefore, "warm white light" is white light with a lower color temperature.