To shed light on
Academic essay writing expression
Literalmente: To drop or cast light onto a surface
Use this phrase to describe providing clarity or revealing the truth about a complex subject.
En 15 segundos
- To make something clear by providing new information.
- Commonly used in academic essays and professional reports.
- Metaphorically turns a 'flashlight' on a confusing topic.
Significado
Imagine walking into a pitch-black room and flicking a switch. This phrase means to provide new information that makes a confusing or difficult situation much easier to understand.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Writing a university history essay
Recent archaeological findings shed light on the daily lives of ancient civilizations.
Recent archaeological findings clarify the daily lives of ancient civilizations.
A manager speaking in a budget meeting
Could you shed some light on why the marketing expenses were so high last month?
Could you explain why the marketing expenses were so high last month?
Texting a friend about a confusing breakup
I talked to her yesterday, and she finally shed some light on why she left.
I talked to her yesterday, and she finally explained why she left.
Contexto cultural
The metaphor of light as knowledge dates back to ancient philosophy, notably Plato's Allegory of the Cave. In English, it gained massive popularity during the 18th-century Enlightenment. It reflects a cultural value placed on empirical evidence and 'bringing things out of the shadows' of superstition or ignorance.
The 'Some' Trick
If you want to sound slightly less formal, add the word 'some.' Saying 'shed some light on' feels a bit more conversational than just 'shed light on.'
Don't over-explain
Avoid saying 'shed light on the explanation.' Since 'shed light' IS the explanation, it sounds redundant. Just say 'shed light on the problem.'
En 15 segundos
- To make something clear by providing new information.
- Commonly used in academic essays and professional reports.
- Metaphorically turns a 'flashlight' on a confusing topic.
What It Means
Think of a mystery or a complex math problem as a dark corner. When you shed light on it, you are the one holding the flashlight. You aren't just giving a simple answer. You are providing the missing piece of the puzzle. It implies that something was hidden or obscure before you spoke up. It’s about clarity, discovery, and revelation.
How To Use It
You usually shed light on a specific noun. Common partners for this phrase include the situation, the mystery, the problem, or the matter. It’s a transitive phrase, so it needs an object. You can say, "The new evidence sheds light on the case." It sounds elegant and intelligent. It makes you sound like someone who thinks deeply about topics.
When To Use It
This is a superstar phrase for academic writing and professional settings. Use it in an essay to introduce a new theory. Use it in a business meeting when you have data that explains why sales dropped. You can even use it in deep personal conversations. If a friend is acting weird and finally explains why, they are shedding light on their behavior. It’s perfect for any moment where 'clarify' feels a bit too boring.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for trivial, everyday things. If you’re explaining how to toast bread, don't say you're shedding light on the toaster. It sounds way too dramatic! Also, don't use it if the information is already well-known. You only shed light when there was darkness (confusion) before. If you use it for simple things, people might think you're being sarcastic or a bit full of yourself.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, 'light' has been a metaphor for knowledge for centuries. Think of the 'Enlightenment' period in history. Even in cartoons, a lightbulb appearing over someone's head means they have an idea. This phrase taps into that ancient idea that 'seeing' is 'understanding.' It’s a very visual way of describing a mental process.
Common Variations
You might also hear people say cast light on or throw light on. They all mean the exact same thing. Shed light on is the most common version you'll see in books and newspapers. In very formal British English, you might occasionally see elucidate, but that’s a bit of a mouthful compared to our light-based friend.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits comfortably in the C1/C2 level because it requires an understanding of metaphorical register. It is most effective in analytical contexts where you are moving from a state of confusion to a state of understanding.
The 'Some' Trick
If you want to sound slightly less formal, add the word 'some.' Saying 'shed some light on' feels a bit more conversational than just 'shed light on.'
Don't over-explain
Avoid saying 'shed light on the explanation.' Since 'shed light' IS the explanation, it sounds redundant. Just say 'shed light on the problem.'
The Academic Secret
Professors love this phrase. If you use it in the introduction of a university essay, it signals that your research is valuable and revealing.
Ejemplos
6Recent archaeological findings shed light on the daily lives of ancient civilizations.
Recent archaeological findings clarify the daily lives of ancient civilizations.
Here, it introduces new evidence that changes our understanding.
Could you shed some light on why the marketing expenses were so high last month?
Could you explain why the marketing expenses were so high last month?
A polite but firm way to ask for a detailed explanation.
I talked to her yesterday, and she finally shed some light on why she left.
I talked to her yesterday, and she finally explained why she left.
Used here for personal clarity in an emotional situation.
We hope the witness's testimony will shed light on the suspect's whereabouts.
We hope the witness's testimony will reveal the suspect's location.
Classic use in a mystery or investigative context.
The empty bag of treats sheds light on why the dog is looking so guilty.
The empty bag explains why the dog looks guilty.
Using a formal phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
Finding these old letters has really shed light on our grandfather's past.
Finding these old letters has revealed the truth about our grandfather's past.
Used for a significant, emotional discovery.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the academic sentence.
The study aims to ___ light on the relationship between sleep and productivity.
While 'give' or 'put' might make sense logically, 'shed light on' is the fixed idiomatic expression used in English.
Complete the professional request.
I'm confused about the new policy. Can you shed some light ___ the changes?
The preposition 'on' always follows 'shed light' when referring to the subject being explained.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Explaining Things
Used with friends for simple things.
Explain this to me.
Standard professional or everyday use.
Can you clarify this?
Academic papers and serious reports.
To shed light on the matter...
Where to Shed Light
Scientific Research
Shedding light on a new virus.
Legal Cases
Shedding light on a crime scene.
Business Analytics
Shedding light on market trends.
Personal Mysteries
Shedding light on a family secret.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot at all! While it's common in writing, people use it in meetings or serious discussions all the time. It's great for when you want to sound professional while speaking.
No, the preposition is always on. You shed light on a topic, never to it.
Interestingly, the past tense is also shed. You would say, 'The report shed light on the issue yesterday.'
It depends on the subject! 'The data sheds light' (singular) vs. 'The documents shed light' (plural).
It can be a bit heavy for a casual text. Use it if you're being slightly dramatic or discussing something serious, like a deep secret.
Technically yes, but it's almost always used metaphorically for information. For physical light, we usually just say 'shine a light.'
Clarify is more direct and functional. Shed light on suggests that the topic was previously mysterious or very difficult to see.
Usually, we don't use the article 'a'. It's almost always just shed light or shed some light.
Both are used in both the US and UK, but shed light on is generally the most popular version globally.
Yes! You can say, 'The investigation failed to shed any light on the disappearance.' This means the mystery remains unsolved.
Frases relacionadas
Throw light on
Bring to light
Elucidate
Demystify
Clear up
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