shed light on

Uso no IELTS

Useful for describing what research or evidence reveals in reading passages, for presenting explanations in Writing Task 2, and for discussing reasons and findings in the Speaking test.

Exemplos

1. The study sheds light on the relationship between screen time and sleep quality among teenagers.
2. Recent archaeological findings shed light on how early humans adapted to climate change.
3. The report sheds light on the reasons behind the growing demand for sustainable transport.

Collocations

shed light on the cause

The investigation aims to shed light on the cause of the accident.

shed light on the relationship

The research sheds light on the relationship between early childhood exposure to books and later academic performance.

shed light on the issue

The documentary sheds light on the issue of plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

help shed light on

These interviews helped shed light on the challenges faced by small businesses during the economic crisis.

shed light on the effects

New data sheds light on the effects of remote learning on student motivation.

Paráfrases

• illuminate: A more formal one-word synonym, common in academic writing.
• provide insight into: A useful formal alternative when discussing findings or evidence.
• make clearer: A simpler way to express the idea, suitable for speaking.
• reveal: Stronger and more direct, often used when information was previously unknown.

Erros comuns

• The research shed light about the problem. to The research shed light on the problem.. The phrase is always 'shed light on', not 'shed light about'.
• The study shed light in the causes. to The study shed light on the causes.. Use the preposition 'on' after 'shed light', not 'in'.
• They shed light into the issue. to They shed light on the issue.. The correct preposition is 'on', not 'into'.
• The findings shed lights on the issue. to The findings shed light on the issue.. 'Light' is uncountable in this phrase, so it should not take an -s.