to shine light on vs to shine a light on

Both 'to shine light on' and 'to shine a light on' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'To shine light on' is more figurative and means to bring attention to something or make something clearer. 'To shine a light on' is more literal and means to illuminate something with a light source.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1378 views

to shine light on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is often used in a figurative sense to mean bringing attention to something or making something clearer.

Examples:

The report aims to shine light on the issue of climate change.
Her research helped shine light on the causes of the disease.
The documentary shines light on the struggles of marginalized communities.
The new evidence will shine light on the mystery surrounding the case.
The artist's work shines light on the beauty of nature.

Show examples from the web [+]

To make an observation, you somehow have to interact with a system - For example, you have to shine light on it, which then bounces off and you observe the light.
and insofar as we begin to shine light on that we are inevitably going to converge on that fact space.
I want to shine a light on slavery.
This is your chance to shine a light on it.
We're just trying to shine a light on how awful they're being.
So, yes, Paul, she may be trying to shine a light on something.
My dad... he tried to shine a light on the injustices against the little guy.
My agency is working closely with Columbia University and others to shine a light on these issues.
Well, it's a way to shine a light on his whole practice.
I just want to shine a light on what the world should see.
It is time to shine the light on who's behind this.
No, it's always a pleasure for me to talk about the important work that we do here and to get the chance to shine a light on my incredibly talented team.
Over the next 15 years, I made many more radio documentaries, working to shine a light on people who are rarely heard from in the media.
I'm going to shine a light on every single part of your miserable life and I'm going to make sure you go to prison, where you belong.
However, the work of human rights lawyers and activists is needed to shine a light on what is happening in Iran, to give hope to those like the Alaei brothers.
70 countries was intended to shine the light on human rights
You've got to shine blue light on the kid. (Laughter) Bright blue light on as much of the skin as you can cover.
He was here to shine a light on something good about our town. [Charlotte]:
If, as we say, we care about the poor and oppressed, if we believe in the right to life, then this House should support me in attempting to shine a light on this disgraceful situation.
Until it's something it's nothing and we don't want to shine a light on nothing.

Alternatives:

to shed light on
to illuminate
to clarify
to reveal
to highlight

to shine a light on

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used in a more literal sense to mean illuminating something with a light source.