Is this correct usage of to throw light on?
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Suppose it's dark and you see a person/ an object lying on the road or somewhere and you tell your friend " throw light on it". Is this correct? Because the only usage of "to throw light on" I have come across is to explain something.
One more question:
Suppose the bedsheet is all crumpled and you have to tell someone to make it even/good (I don't know how to put it) then how do you say it?
Can you say "straighten it"?
word-usage
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
Suppose it's dark and you see a person/ an object lying on the road or somewhere and you tell your friend " throw light on it". Is this correct? Because the only usage of "to throw light on" I have come across is to explain something.
One more question:
Suppose the bedsheet is all crumpled and you have to tell someone to make it even/good (I don't know how to put it) then how do you say it?
Can you say "straighten it"?
word-usage
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
Suppose it's dark and you see a person/ an object lying on the road or somewhere and you tell your friend " throw light on it". Is this correct? Because the only usage of "to throw light on" I have come across is to explain something.
One more question:
Suppose the bedsheet is all crumpled and you have to tell someone to make it even/good (I don't know how to put it) then how do you say it?
Can you say "straighten it"?
word-usage
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Suppose it's dark and you see a person/ an object lying on the road or somewhere and you tell your friend " throw light on it". Is this correct? Because the only usage of "to throw light on" I have come across is to explain something.
One more question:
Suppose the bedsheet is all crumpled and you have to tell someone to make it even/good (I don't know how to put it) then how do you say it?
Can you say "straighten it"?
word-usage
word-usage
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
edited Dec 12 at 2:39
Chappo
2,53241225
2,53241225
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
asked Dec 12 at 2:09
AMP
1
1
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
AMP is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51
add a comment |
The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51
The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51
add a comment |
2 Answers
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oldest
votes
up vote
1
down vote
If you were trying to illuminate an object in the dark, you would say "Shine some light on that." Shine is the most appropriate verb. You could also say "Get some light on that." or "Put some light on that." but both of those would be less natural and less exact than the verb 'shine'. 'Get' and 'put' in that context would mean something like 'Do what you have to in order to illuminate that object.'
"Shine some light on that object" means direct a beam of light onto an object from a lamp or a flashlight.
You would never use 'throw' in that context.
'Throw some light' is a metaphor only used for explaining something. You're not actually throwing light, the way you are actually directing light with the verb 'shine'.
Another metaphor for explaining something or revealing information about something is to 'shed some light'.
Example: "Gentlemen, let me shed some light on this situation. We can't use either of the exits. We're trapped." You can also use 'put some light' in this context.
Another time you would use 'throw' is if you are telling someone else to illuminate something.
Examples:
"Throw every light you have onto that ship!"
"Dump every light you have on that airstrip!"
These are colloquialisms that depend on context. A native speaker would understand that you were not telling him to physically hurl all available lighting devices onto the deck of the ship in question or onto the airfield.
Here's a video that makes fun of this:
Pour every light onto that field!
EDIT:
As for your second question, yes, you would say "Straighten that bedsheet."
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
We don't normally physically interact with light directly, so throwing light is a bit difficult in normal situations. English has a word that fits the situation, you could ask your friend to illuminate it. Merriam Webster defines as verb
to supply or brighten with light
And then Make the Bed. Again, from Merriam Webster, an idiom
to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
add a comment |
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2 Answers
2
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2 Answers
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If you were trying to illuminate an object in the dark, you would say "Shine some light on that." Shine is the most appropriate verb. You could also say "Get some light on that." or "Put some light on that." but both of those would be less natural and less exact than the verb 'shine'. 'Get' and 'put' in that context would mean something like 'Do what you have to in order to illuminate that object.'
"Shine some light on that object" means direct a beam of light onto an object from a lamp or a flashlight.
You would never use 'throw' in that context.
'Throw some light' is a metaphor only used for explaining something. You're not actually throwing light, the way you are actually directing light with the verb 'shine'.
Another metaphor for explaining something or revealing information about something is to 'shed some light'.
Example: "Gentlemen, let me shed some light on this situation. We can't use either of the exits. We're trapped." You can also use 'put some light' in this context.
Another time you would use 'throw' is if you are telling someone else to illuminate something.
Examples:
"Throw every light you have onto that ship!"
"Dump every light you have on that airstrip!"
These are colloquialisms that depend on context. A native speaker would understand that you were not telling him to physically hurl all available lighting devices onto the deck of the ship in question or onto the airfield.
Here's a video that makes fun of this:
Pour every light onto that field!
EDIT:
As for your second question, yes, you would say "Straighten that bedsheet."
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
If you were trying to illuminate an object in the dark, you would say "Shine some light on that." Shine is the most appropriate verb. You could also say "Get some light on that." or "Put some light on that." but both of those would be less natural and less exact than the verb 'shine'. 'Get' and 'put' in that context would mean something like 'Do what you have to in order to illuminate that object.'
"Shine some light on that object" means direct a beam of light onto an object from a lamp or a flashlight.
You would never use 'throw' in that context.
'Throw some light' is a metaphor only used for explaining something. You're not actually throwing light, the way you are actually directing light with the verb 'shine'.
Another metaphor for explaining something or revealing information about something is to 'shed some light'.
Example: "Gentlemen, let me shed some light on this situation. We can't use either of the exits. We're trapped." You can also use 'put some light' in this context.
Another time you would use 'throw' is if you are telling someone else to illuminate something.
Examples:
"Throw every light you have onto that ship!"
"Dump every light you have on that airstrip!"
These are colloquialisms that depend on context. A native speaker would understand that you were not telling him to physically hurl all available lighting devices onto the deck of the ship in question or onto the airfield.
Here's a video that makes fun of this:
Pour every light onto that field!
EDIT:
As for your second question, yes, you would say "Straighten that bedsheet."
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
If you were trying to illuminate an object in the dark, you would say "Shine some light on that." Shine is the most appropriate verb. You could also say "Get some light on that." or "Put some light on that." but both of those would be less natural and less exact than the verb 'shine'. 'Get' and 'put' in that context would mean something like 'Do what you have to in order to illuminate that object.'
"Shine some light on that object" means direct a beam of light onto an object from a lamp or a flashlight.
You would never use 'throw' in that context.
'Throw some light' is a metaphor only used for explaining something. You're not actually throwing light, the way you are actually directing light with the verb 'shine'.
Another metaphor for explaining something or revealing information about something is to 'shed some light'.
Example: "Gentlemen, let me shed some light on this situation. We can't use either of the exits. We're trapped." You can also use 'put some light' in this context.
Another time you would use 'throw' is if you are telling someone else to illuminate something.
Examples:
"Throw every light you have onto that ship!"
"Dump every light you have on that airstrip!"
These are colloquialisms that depend on context. A native speaker would understand that you were not telling him to physically hurl all available lighting devices onto the deck of the ship in question or onto the airfield.
Here's a video that makes fun of this:
Pour every light onto that field!
EDIT:
As for your second question, yes, you would say "Straighten that bedsheet."
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
If you were trying to illuminate an object in the dark, you would say "Shine some light on that." Shine is the most appropriate verb. You could also say "Get some light on that." or "Put some light on that." but both of those would be less natural and less exact than the verb 'shine'. 'Get' and 'put' in that context would mean something like 'Do what you have to in order to illuminate that object.'
"Shine some light on that object" means direct a beam of light onto an object from a lamp or a flashlight.
You would never use 'throw' in that context.
'Throw some light' is a metaphor only used for explaining something. You're not actually throwing light, the way you are actually directing light with the verb 'shine'.
Another metaphor for explaining something or revealing information about something is to 'shed some light'.
Example: "Gentlemen, let me shed some light on this situation. We can't use either of the exits. We're trapped." You can also use 'put some light' in this context.
Another time you would use 'throw' is if you are telling someone else to illuminate something.
Examples:
"Throw every light you have onto that ship!"
"Dump every light you have on that airstrip!"
These are colloquialisms that depend on context. A native speaker would understand that you were not telling him to physically hurl all available lighting devices onto the deck of the ship in question or onto the airfield.
Here's a video that makes fun of this:
Pour every light onto that field!
EDIT:
As for your second question, yes, you would say "Straighten that bedsheet."
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Dec 12 at 4:28
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
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TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
answered Dec 12 at 4:02
TheLeopard
1903
1903
New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
TheLeopard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
We don't normally physically interact with light directly, so throwing light is a bit difficult in normal situations. English has a word that fits the situation, you could ask your friend to illuminate it. Merriam Webster defines as verb
to supply or brighten with light
And then Make the Bed. Again, from Merriam Webster, an idiom
to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
We don't normally physically interact with light directly, so throwing light is a bit difficult in normal situations. English has a word that fits the situation, you could ask your friend to illuminate it. Merriam Webster defines as verb
to supply or brighten with light
And then Make the Bed. Again, from Merriam Webster, an idiom
to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
We don't normally physically interact with light directly, so throwing light is a bit difficult in normal situations. English has a word that fits the situation, you could ask your friend to illuminate it. Merriam Webster defines as verb
to supply or brighten with light
And then Make the Bed. Again, from Merriam Webster, an idiom
to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
We don't normally physically interact with light directly, so throwing light is a bit difficult in normal situations. English has a word that fits the situation, you could ask your friend to illuminate it. Merriam Webster defines as verb
to supply or brighten with light
And then Make the Bed. Again, from Merriam Webster, an idiom
to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
answered Dec 12 at 2:24
Elliott Frisch
6,62111838
6,62111838
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
add a comment |
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
Thank you all. This is my first visit and first post so didnt know the rules, and apologise for that. Actually I had googled about the bedsheets question but couldnt find any answer. It was just trial and error with all the verbs I could think of, and much of it sounded funny. English is not my native language and even though I have knowledge just a little above the beginner level, I fumble when thinking about simple things used in daily life. And thank you for the video, "The Leopard". Was really funny.And when he said "There he is" it did look like a UFO to me.
– AMP
Dec 12 at 14:21
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It fit perfectly with your question!
– TheLeopard
Dec 12 at 20:01
add a comment |
AMP is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
AMP is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
AMP is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
AMP is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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The "explain something" usage is simply using the normal expression as a metaphor. Your usage of it in its functional meaning is entirely correct. Regarding your 2nd question, "straighten the sheets" is a standard usage for this situation. Please note for future reference, don't add a second, unrelated question as this can lead to your post being closed as "too broad"; instead, ask it as a new question. Lastly, you should do some research before you ask here, and include a summary of what you found as part of your question. For further guidance, see How to Ask and take the Tour. :-)
– Chappo
Dec 12 at 2:48
"Throw the light on ..." might be used to request that someone aim a spotlight or some such in that direction.
– Hot Licks
Dec 12 at 2:51