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B1 Verb (third-person singular present) / Noun (plural) #18 most common 14 min read

flickers

Top 18

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips flickers in 30 Seconds

Explanation flickers in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'flickers' is a word you might use to describe a light that is not working correctly. Imagine a lamp in your house. Usually, the light is steady and bright. But sometimes, the light goes 'on-off-on-off' very quickly. We say, 'The light flickers.' It is like the light is blinking. You can also think of a candle. When you blow on a candle gently, the flame moves and almost goes out. The flame flickers. This word helps you describe things that are not steady. It is a simple way to talk about lights, fires, and even some movements. For example, 'The TV flickers' means the picture on the TV is jumping or changing quickly. It is a useful word for basic troubleshooting and describing the world around you. You don't need to use it in complicated ways yet. Just remember it means 'unsteady light' or 'quick, small movement.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'flickers' to describe more than just broken lights. You might use it to talk about nature or feelings in a simple way. For example, you can say, 'The stars flicker in the sky.' This means the stars look like they are blinking because they are so far away. You can also use it for small movements of animals. 'The snake's tongue flickers' is a common sentence. It means the tongue moves in and out very fast. In terms of feelings, you might say, 'I feel a flicker of hope.' This means you feel a very small amount of hope for a short time. It is not a big feeling, just a tiny one. At this level, you should focus on using 'flickers' as a verb for 'it' (the light flickers) and as a noun for small things (flickers of light). It helps your English sound more descriptive and less repetitive.

At the B1 level, 'flickers' becomes a tool for adding atmosphere and detail to your stories and descriptions. You understand that 'flickers' implies something is unstable or about to change. You can use it to describe the mood of a room: 'The candlelight flickers against the walls, creating scary shadows.' You also start to use it more for emotions and thoughts. 'A flicker of doubt' or 'a flicker of interest' are great phrases to use. They show that a feeling is brief and maybe not very strong. You can also use it to describe technical problems more accurately. Instead of just saying 'the screen is bad,' you can say 'the screen flickers,' which tells the listener exactly what is happening. You should also be careful with the grammar: 'The light flickers' (one light) vs. 'The lights flicker' (many lights). This level is about using the word to be more precise in your communication.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'flickers' in both literal and metaphorical contexts. You can use it to describe subtle physical movements, like 'her eyelids flickered as she dreamed,' or 'the leaves flickered in the breeze.' You also understand the nuances between 'flickers' and similar words like 'shimmers' or 'glimmers.' For example, you know that 'flickers' suggests a more erratic, jerky movement than 'shimmers.' In your writing, you can use 'flickers' to create a sense of uncertainty or fragility. 'The flickers of the dying fire' is a more evocative phrase than 'the small fire.' You can also use it to describe quick changes in facial expressions: 'A flicker of annoyance passed over his face.' This shows you can observe and describe small, fast details. At this level, your use of the word should feel natural and well-integrated into your overall vocabulary.

At the C1 level, you can use 'flickers' to express complex ideas and subtle psychological states. You might use it in academic or literary analysis to describe the 'flickers of meaning' in a difficult text or the 'flickers of consciousness' in a philosophical discussion. You understand that the word carries a connotation of transience and the boundary between existence and non-existence. You can use it to describe scientific phenomena, such as the 'flicker frequency' of a monitor or the 'flickering' of neurons in the brain. Your vocabulary is sophisticated enough to choose 'flickers' over 'wavers' or 'pulses' to convey a specific rhythm of instability. You might also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'the flickers of a fading civilization' or 'flickers of genius in an otherwise mediocre performance.' At this level, the word is a precise instrument for high-level description and analysis.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'flickers,' including its historical and literary resonances. You might be aware of the early 20th-century slang 'the flickers' for cinema and use it to add historical flavor to your writing. You can use the word to create highly nuanced imagery, such as 'the flickering light of a guttering candle' or 'the flickers of recognition that dance in the eyes of a patient with dementia.' You understand how to use the word to manipulate the pace and tone of a narrative, using it to suggest instability, ghostliness, or the fleeting nature of human experience. You can use it in highly technical fields, such as physics or ophthalmology, with complete accuracy. For you, 'flickers' is not just a word for a blinking light; it is a versatile term that captures the essence of the ephemeral, the unstable, and the beautifully transient aspects of the physical and mental worlds.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

flickers in 30 Seconds

Flickers describes light that is unsteady, moving quickly between bright and dim, like a candle in a draft or a failing light bulb.
It also refers to quick, repetitive movements, such as a snake's tongue or a person's eyelids during sleep or nervousness.
Metaphorically, it describes brief, unstable emotions or thoughts, like a flicker of hope or a flicker of doubt that appears suddenly.
As a noun, it refers to multiple instances of these unsteady lights or brief occurrences, often used in descriptive or literary writing.

The word flickers is a versatile term that functions both as a verb in the third-person singular present tense and as a plural noun. At its core, it describes a specific type of movement or light that is characterized by instability, intermittency, or a rapid, unsteady rhythm. When we talk about light, something that flickers is not burning steadily; instead, it wavers between being bright and dim, or between being on and off. This is most commonly observed in the behavior of a candle flame in a drafty room or an old fluorescent light bulb that is nearing the end of its lifespan. The visual effect is one of agitation and unpredictability, which often carries a certain emotional weight—sometimes cozy, as with a fireplace, and other times unsettling, as with a failing light in a horror movie.

Visual Dynamics: Flickering light is defined by its lack of constancy. It suggests a struggle to remain lit, creating a rhythmic pulse that draws the eye because the human brain is naturally attuned to changes in light patterns.

The old television screen flickers with static before finally showing a grainy image of the news broadcast.

Beyond the physical realm of light, flickers is frequently used metaphorically to describe internal states, such as emotions, thoughts, or hopes. In this context, it implies that a feeling is not robust or permanent but rather fleeting and fragile. For instance, if hope flickers in someone's heart, it means they are beginning to feel a small, uncertain sense of possibility after a period of despair. This metaphorical usage is powerful because it evokes the image of a small flame trying to survive in the darkness of the mind. It is also used to describe quick physical movements, such as the way a snake's tongue flickers or how a person's eyelids might flicker during REM sleep. These movements are too fast to be called 'waving' but too repetitive to be a single 'twitch'.

Emotional Nuance: When applied to emotions, the word suggests a momentary appearance. A 'flicker of doubt' is a brief, sharp realization that something might be wrong, which might disappear as quickly as it arrived.

As she spoke, a brief smile flickers across her face, suggesting she knows more than she is letting on.

In technical or scientific contexts, flickers can refer to the rapid changes in brightness on a display screen, often measured in Hertz. This 'flicker' can cause eye strain or headaches if the frequency is too low. In biology, the term might describe the rapid movement of certain muscles or the intermittent firing of neurons. The word carries a sense of 'almost-not-being'—it is the boundary between presence and absence. Whether it is the flickers of a dying fire or the flickers of recognition in an old friend's eyes, the word captures the essence of the transient and the unstable. It is a word of transition, marking the moment something is about to change, fail, or begin.

Physical Movement: The word is excellent for describing biological actions that are rapid and repetitive. A lizard's tongue flickers to taste the air, or a bird's wings might flicker as it hovers near a flower.

The shadow of the leaves flickers against the bedroom wall as the wind blows through the trees outside.

A small light flickers in the distance, giving the lost hikers a renewed sense of hope.

The candle flickers violently in the draft, casting long, dancing shadows across the library shelves.

Using flickers correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it is most often used intransitively, meaning it does not take a direct object. You say 'the light flickers,' not 'he flickers the light.' When used in the third-person singular (he/she/it flickers), it describes the current action of a single subject. For example, 'The computer screen flickers every time I plug in the charger.' This indicates a repetitive, ongoing action. It is also used in the present tense to describe general truths or habits, such as 'This type of gas lamp often flickers when the pressure is low.'

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always ensure the subject is singular when using 'flickers' as a verb. 'The candle flickers' (singular) vs. 'The candles flicker' (plural). This is a common point of confusion for learners.

Every time the wind picks up, the porch light flickers and then goes out.

As a plural noun, flickers refers to multiple instances of unsteady light or brief occurrences. For example, 'The flickers of the fireflies in the garden were the only source of light.' Here, it refers to the individual bursts of light from many insects. It is also common in the phrase 'flickers of hope' or 'flickers of interest,' where it denotes small, scattered amounts of a feeling. Using the plural noun form adds a sense of quantity and variety to the description, suggesting that the phenomenon is happening in multiple places or at multiple times.

Metaphorical Application: When describing emotions, 'flickers' often pairs with 'of'. Example: 'flickers of annoyance,' 'flickers of regret,' or 'flickers of understanding.'

The detective noticed several flickers of hesitation in the suspect's testimony.

In more advanced writing, you might see flickers used to describe the way light interacts with surfaces. For instance, 'The sunlight flickers through the moving leaves of the oak tree.' This creates a dynamic image of light and shadow playing together. It is also used in medical contexts to describe involuntary movements: 'The patient's pulse flickers weakly, indicating a critical condition.' In this sense, it conveys a sense of fragility and impending failure. Whether you are writing a technical report about electrical interference or a poetic description of a summer evening, choosing 'flickers' allows you to convey a specific rhythm and intensity that words like 'shines' or 'moves' cannot capture.

Common Phrasal Patterns: 'Flickers on and off' is a very common phrase used to describe faulty electronics. 'Flickers across' is used for movements across a surface, like a shadow or a smile.

The screen flickers momentarily whenever the heavy machinery in the next room starts up.

The dying embers in the fireplace produced small flickers of orange light before turning to ash.

A look of pure joy flickers in his eyes when he sees his grandchildren running toward him.

The word flickers is ubiquitous in English, appearing in everything from high-stakes medical dramas to technical manuals for home appliances. In daily life, you are most likely to hear it when someone is complaining about a technical issue. For example, 'My monitor flickers whenever I open this app,' is a common troubleshooting phrase. It is also a staple of weather reports and astronomical discussions. Meteorologists might talk about 'flickers of lightning' on the horizon during a distant storm, while astronomers use the term to describe the 'scintillation' or twinkling of stars, which is essentially the light flickering as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere.

Technical Contexts: In IT and electronics, 'flicker' is a specific term for visible changes in brightness between cycles on a video display. It is a problem that engineers work hard to eliminate.

The technician explained that the screen flickers because the refresh rate is set too low for the hardware.

In literature and film, flickers is a powerful atmospheric tool. Novelists use it to describe the lighting in a scene to set a specific mood. A flickering candle might suggest romance, mystery, or poverty. In film criticism, you might hear about the 'flickers' of early silent movies, which were nicknamed 'the flickers' because of the low frame rate that made the images seem to jump and shake. This historical connection gives the word a nostalgic quality when discussing the history of cinema. Furthermore, in psychological thrillers, a character might see 'flickers of movement' in the corner of their eye, a trope used to build tension and suggest that someone is being watched.

Literary Usage: Authors use the word to describe internal changes. A 'flicker of recognition' is a common cliché in mystery novels when a character realizes they have seen a clue before.

In the dark hallway, the only light came from the flickers of a dying flashlight.

In medical and biological discussions, the word is used to describe rapid, often involuntary, physiological actions. A doctor might note that a patient's 'eyelid flickers' during a neurological exam, which could be a sign of a specific condition. In sports commentary, you might hear that a player 'flickers' with brilliance, meaning they show moments of extreme talent that are not yet consistent. This usage highlights the 'intermittent' nature of the word. Whether it is the physical flickering of a light or the metaphorical flickering of a human quality, the word is a go-to for describing anything that is not steady, constant, or fully realized.

Everyday Conversation: You'll hear it in phrases like 'the light flickers' or 'a flicker of hope.' It's a natural way to describe things that are brief or unstable.

As the sun sets, the first flickers of the city lights begin to appear on the horizon.

The signal flickers in and out as we drive through the mountain tunnel.

A tiny flicker of movement in the grass caught the cat's attention immediately.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with flickers is confusing it with other words that describe light or movement, such as 'flashes,' 'glimmers,' or 'shimmers.' While they are related, they are not interchangeable. A 'flash' is usually a single, sudden, and very bright burst of light (like a camera flash). In contrast, 'flickers' implies a series of quick, unsteady changes in brightness. If you say 'the light flashes,' it sounds like a deliberate signal; if you say 'the light flickers,' it sounds like the light is broken or struggling. Understanding this distinction is key to conveying the right tone in your writing.

Flicker vs. Glimmer: A 'glimmer' is a faint, steady light, often seen from a distance. 'Flickers' are unsteady and moving. You might see a glimmer of a distant city, but you see the flickers of a candle nearby.

Incorrect: The camera flickers when I take a photo. (Correct: The camera flashes.)

Another common error involves subject-verb agreement, particularly when 'flickers' is used as a verb. Because it ends in 's', some learners mistakenly think it is a plural verb. However, in English, the 's' ending on a verb indicates the third-person singular (he/she/it). For example, 'The lights flickers' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'The light flickers' (singular) or 'The lights flicker' (plural). This is a fundamental rule that is easy to forget in the heat of conversation. Additionally, learners sometimes use 'flickers' as a transitive verb, saying things like 'The wind flickers the candle.' While understandable, it is more natural to say 'The wind makes the candle flicker' or 'The candle flickers in the wind.'

Misusing the Noun Form: Learners sometimes use 'flickers' when they mean 'flickering' (the gerund). Example: 'The flickers of the screen is annoying.' Correct: 'The flickering of the screen is annoying' or 'The flickers on the screen are annoying.'

Incorrect: I saw a flickers of light. (Correct: I saw a flicker of light or I saw flickers of light.)

Finally, be careful with the metaphorical use of the word. While 'flickers of hope' is a common and accepted idiom, using 'flickers' for very strong or permanent emotions can feel out of place. For instance, 'A flicker of eternal love' is a bit of an oxymoron because 'flicker' implies something brief and unstable, while 'eternal' implies the opposite. Use 'flickers' for things that are just starting, just ending, or very weak. Using it for something powerful and steady can confuse the reader. By paying attention to these nuances, you can avoid common pitfalls and use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Register and Context: Avoid using 'flickers' in very formal scientific reports unless you are specifically referring to the 'flicker effect' in physics or electronics. In general academic writing, 'intermittency' or 'fluctuation' might be preferred.

The old film flickers on the screen, giving the audience a sense of nostalgia for the early days of cinema.

When he hears the music, a memory flickers in the back of his mind, though he can't quite place it.

The neon sign flickers in the rain, buzzing with a low, electric hum.

To truly master the word flickers, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the subtle differences in meaning. One of the closest synonyms is 'twinkles.' However, 'twinkles' usually has a positive, pleasant connotation (like stars or eyes) and suggests a sparkling quality. 'Flickers,' on the other hand, can be neutral or even negative, often suggesting instability or failure. Another similar word is 'shimmers,' which describes a soft, wavering light, often reflected off a surface like water or silk. 'Shimmers' is much smoother and more continuous than 'flickers,' which is jerky and intermittent.

Flicker vs. Twinkle: Stars twinkle (pleasant, distant); a dying light bulb flickers (unpleasant, technical failure). Twinkling is often steady in its unsteadiness, while flickering is more erratic.

While the stars twinkle peacefully above, the campfire below flickers as the logs shift.

'Wavers' is another strong alternative, particularly when describing movement or emotions. If a flame wavers, it moves back and forth steadily. If it flickers, it might almost go out. Metaphorically, if someone's voice wavers, it shows emotion through a change in pitch or volume. If a feeling flickers, it appears and disappears quickly. 'Gleams' and 'glints' are also related but describe a brief flash of light reflecting off a hard surface, like metal or glass. These are usually single events, whereas 'flickers' is a repetitive process. Choosing the right word depends on the texture of the light or movement you want to describe.

Flicker vs. Shimmer: The heat shimmers off the asphalt (a wavy, continuous effect); the light flickers in the hallway (a broken, jumping effect).

The lake shimmers in the moonlight, but the torchlight flickers in the explorer's hand.

In technical contexts, you might use 'oscillates' or 'fluctuates' instead of 'flickers.' 'Oscillates' implies a regular back-and-forth movement, often in a physical or mathematical sense. 'Fluctuates' is used for values that go up and down, like prices or temperatures. While a light might 'flicker,' the voltage powering it 'fluctuates.' Using these more precise terms in academic or professional writing shows a higher level of English proficiency. However, in creative writing and everyday speech, 'flickers' remains the most evocative and commonly understood term for anything that wavers between being and not being.

Word Comparison Table: Flicker: Unsteady, intermittent. / Sparkle: Bright, many small points. / Glow: Steady, soft light. / Blink: On and off regularly.

The lighthouse beam sweeps across the sea, but the small lamp in the window flickers in the gale.

A flicker of amusement crossed his face before he regained his serious expression.

The computer screen flickers for a second before the power finally fails completely.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The experimental data suggests that the light source flickers at a rate of 60Hz."

Neutral

"The candle flickers every time the door opens."

Informal

"My screen flickers like crazy, I think it's broken."

Child friendly

"Look at how the little firefly flickers in the grass!"

Slang

"Wanna go to the flickers tonight?"

Fun Fact

The word 'flicker' is onomatopoeic in nature, meaning its sound mimics the light, fluttering movement it describes. It was used to describe birds long before it was used for electric lights!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈflɪk.əz/

US /ˈflɪk.ɚz/

FLIK-erz

Rhymes With

ickers kickers knickers lickers pickers snickers stickers wickers

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ee' (fleekers).
Making the 'z' sound like a hard 's'.
Stress on the second syllable (flick-ERZ).
Dropping the 'r' sound completely in US English.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'flicker' (singular).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and technical manuals; easy to recognize in context.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of subject-verb agreement and metaphorical nuances.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for troubleshooting and describing atmosphere.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'flicker' or 'flick'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

light move quick hope doubt

Learn Next

waver shimmer glimmer intermittent fluctuate

Advanced

scintillation stroboscopic oscillation transience ephemeral

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular Present

He flickers (not 'He flicker').

Plural Nouns

The flickers of the fire (not 'The flicker of the fire' if referring to many).

Intransitive Verbs

The light flickers. (No object needed).

Subject-Verb Agreement

The candles flicker. The candle flickers.

Gerunds as Nouns

The flickering is annoying. (Using the -ing form as a noun).

Examples by Level

The light flickers in the kitchen.

La lumière clignote dans la cuisine.

Third-person singular verb.

The candle flickers in the wind.

La bougie vacille dans le vent.

Subject-verb agreement: 'candle' is singular.

My computer screen flickers.

Mon écran d'ordinateur clignote.

Present simple for a current problem.

I see flickers of light.

Je vois des éclats de lumière.

Plural noun.

The TV flickers when it is old.

La télé clignote quand elle est vieille.

General truth in present simple.

The fire flickers in the night.

Le feu vacille dans la nuit.

Descriptive present tense.

A small light flickers far away.

Une petite lumière clignote au loin.

Indefinite article 'a' with singular subject.

The flashlight flickers and stops.

La lampe de poche clignote et s'arrête.

Two verbs for one subject.

The stars flicker in the cold sky.

Les étoiles scintillent dans le ciel froid.

Note: 'twinkle' is also common here.

The snake's tongue flickers quickly.

La langue du serpent s'agite rapidement.

Describing animal movement.

I saw flickers of hope in his eyes.

J'ai vu des lueurs d'espoir dans ses yeux.

Metaphorical plural noun.

The street lamp flickers every night.

Le réverbère clignote chaque nuit.

Adverbial phrase 'every night'.

The shadows flicker on the wall.

Les ombres dansent sur le mur.

Plural subject, plural verb (flicker). Wait, the prompt asks for 'flickers'. Let's use 'A shadow flickers'.

A shadow flickers across the room.

Une ombre passe rapidement dans la pièce.

Singular subject.

The old movie flickers on the screen.

Le vieux film saute sur l'écran.

Describing a characteristic of old film.

The signal flickers when it rains.

Le signal vacille quand il pleut.

Conditional 'when' clause.

A flicker of doubt flickers in her mind.

Un soupçon de doute traverse son esprit.

Using both noun and verb forms.

The neon sign flickers above the diner.

L'enseigne au néon clignote au-dessus du restaurant.

Prepositional phrase 'above the diner'.

His eyelid flickers when he is nervous.

Sa paupière tressaute quand il est nerveux.

Describing a physical tic.

The screen flickers because of the cable.

L'écran clignote à cause du câble.

Giving a reason with 'because of'.

Small flickers of blue appear in the fire.

De petits éclats de bleu apparaissent dans le feu.

Plural noun with 'of' phrase.

A smile flickers across her face briefly.

Un sourire effleure brièvement son visage.

Adverb 'briefly' modifies the verb.

The torch flickers as the battery dies.

La torche vacille alors que la pile meurt.

Conjunction 'as' for simultaneous actions.

I noticed flickers of interest in the crowd.

J'ai remarqué des éclats d'intérêt dans la foule.

Abstract plural noun.

The image flickers intermittently on the monitor.

L'image clignote par intermittence sur le moniteur.

Advanced adverb 'intermittently'.

A flicker of recognition flickers in his eyes.

Une lueur de reconnaissance passe dans ses yeux.

Literary repetition for emphasis.

The sunlight flickers through the moving leaves.

La lumière du soleil filtre à travers les feuilles mobiles.

Describing natural light patterns.

The candle flickers violently in the draft.

La bougie vacille violemment dans le courant d'air.

Strong adverb 'violently'.

She saw flickers of movement in the bushes.

Elle a vu des mouvements furtifs dans les buissons.

Suggesting mystery or tension.

The dying light flickers one last time.

La lumière mourante vacille une dernière fois.

Personification with 'dying light'.

A flicker of pain flickers across his brow.

Une lueur de douleur passe sur son front.

Describing subtle facial expressions.

The engine flickers to life after many tries.

Le moteur s'ébroue après de nombreux essais.

Metaphorical use for machinery.

The screen flickers at a high frequency.

L'écran scintille à une fréquence élevée.

Technical context.

Flickers of genius appear in his early work.

Des éclairs de génie apparaissent dans ses premières œuvres.

Abstract noun in a critical context.

The flame flickers, struggling against the void.

La flamme vacille, luttant contre le vide.

Literary/Philosophical tone.

A flicker of uncertainty flickers in the data.

Une lueur d'incertitude apparaît dans les données.

Metaphorical use in research.

The shadows flicker, mimicking ghostly figures.

Les ombres vacillent, imitant des figures fantomatiques.

Participial phrase 'mimicking...'.

His pulse flickers, barely detectable by the nurse.

Son pouls est imperceptible, à peine détectable par l'infirmière.

Medical context.

The signal flickers due to atmospheric interference.

Le signal vacille en raison d'interférences atmosphériques.

Formal 'due to' construction.

Flickers of memory haunt the old house.

Des éclats de mémoire hantent la vieille maison.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

The lamp flickers, a metaphor for his failing health.

La lampe vacille, métaphore de sa santé déclinante.

Appositive phrase as metaphor.

Flickers of dissent began to emerge in the ranks.

Des lueurs de dissidence ont commencé à apparaître dans les rangs.

Political/Historical context.

The light flickers, caught in a dance of entropy.

La lumière vacille, prise dans une danse d'entropie.

Scientific/Philosophical vocabulary.

A flicker of malice flickers in his otherwise kind eyes.

Une lueur de malice passe dans ses yeux par ailleurs gentils.

Contrasting character traits.

The screen flickers, revealing a hidden subliminal message.

L'écran clignote, révélant un message subliminal caché.

Narrative/Thriller context.

Flickers of the past are visible in the ruins.

Des éclats du passé sont visibles dans les ruines.

Abstract noun for historical remnants.

The flame flickers, guttering in the damp cellar.

La flamme vacille, s'éteignant dans la cave humide.

Use of the rare verb 'guttering'.

A flicker of hope flickers, then vanishes into the night.

Une lueur d'espoir vacille, puis disparaît dans la nuit.

Dramatic narrative structure.

Common Collocations

light flickers

candle flickers

screen flickers

flicker of hope

flicker of doubt

flicker of recognition

flicker of interest

eyelid flickers

shadow flickers

flame flickers

Common Phrases

flickers on and off

— To turn on and off repeatedly and quickly.

The neon sign flickers on and off all night.

flickers across

— To move quickly across a surface.

A smile flickers across his face.

flickers to life

— To start working or becoming active suddenly.

The old radio flickers to life with a crackle.

flickers in the wind

— To move unsteadily because of the air.

The flag flickers in the light breeze.

flickers of light

— Small, unsteady bursts of brightness.

We saw flickers of light in the dark woods.

flickers of movement

— Brief, quick actions that are hard to see.

The hunter saw flickers of movement in the trees.

flickers of emotion

— Brief appearances of a feeling.

There were flickers of anger in his voice.

flickers in and out

— To appear and disappear repeatedly.

The radio signal flickers in and out as we drive.

flickers of pain

— Brief, sharp sensations of physical hurt.

He felt flickers of pain in his knee.

flickers of the past

— Brief memories or remnants of history.

The museum shows flickers of the past.

Often Confused With

flickers vs flashes

A flash is a single, sudden burst; a flicker is a series of unsteady changes.

flickers vs glimmers

A glimmer is a faint, steady light; a flicker is unsteady and moving.

flickers vs shimmers

A shimmer is a soft, wavy light; a flicker is jerky and intermittent.

Idioms & Expressions

"a flicker of hope"

— A very small amount of hope that something good might happen.

Even in the darkest times, there is a flicker of hope.

neutral

"the flickers"

— An old-fashioned slang term for the movies or cinema.

Let's go to the flickers tonight.

informal/archaic

"flicker of interest"

— A small, brief feeling of wanting to know more.

The book didn't even spark a flicker of interest in him.

neutral

"flicker of doubt"

— A small, brief feeling of being unsure about something.

A flicker of doubt made him check the map again.

neutral

"flicker of recognition"

— A brief moment of realizing you know someone or something.

There was a flicker of recognition when she saw her old teacher.

neutral

"flicker of a smile"

— A very brief and small smile.

A flicker of a smile appeared on her face before she turned away.

neutral

"flicker of life"

— A small sign that someone or something is still alive or active.

The doctors looked for any flicker of life in the patient.

neutral

"flicker of light"

— A small sign of possibility or a literal small light.

We saw a flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

neutral

"flicker of anger"

— A brief moment of feeling mad.

A flicker of anger crossed his face when he heard the news.

neutral

"flicker of genius"

— A brief moment of showing great intelligence or talent.

His plan showed a flicker of genius.

neutral

Easily Confused

flickers vs flick

Both start with 'flick' and involve quick movement.

A 'flick' is a single quick movement; 'flickers' is a repetitive unsteady light or movement.

He gave the switch a flick, and now the light flickers.

flickers vs flutter

Both describe quick, light movements.

Flutter is usually for wings or paper; flicker is usually for light or small tics.

The bird's wings flutter as the candle flickers.

flickers vs flare

Both involve light and fire.

A flare is a sudden, large burst of flame; a flicker is a small, unsteady movement of light.

The match flares up before it flickers and dies.

flickers vs waver

Both describe unsteadiness.

Waver is often for voices or physical balance; flicker is primarily for light.

His voice wavers as the light flickers in the room.

flickers vs blink

Both describe on-and-off light.

Blink is usually regular and intentional; flicker is irregular and suggests a problem.

The lighthouse blinks, but the old lamp flickers.

Sentence Patterns

The [light] flickers.

The lamp flickers.

A [noun] flickers in the [place].

A candle flickers in the room.

I saw a flicker of [emotion].

I saw a flicker of hope.

The [noun] flickers because [reason].

The screen flickers because the cable is loose.

Flickers of [abstract noun] [verb].

Flickers of doubt remained in his mind.

[Noun] flickers, [participial phrase].

The flame flickers, struggling against the dark.

The [noun] flickers on and off.

The sign flickers on and off.

A [noun] flickers across [surface].

A smile flickers across her face.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

The lights flickers. → The light flickers. / The lights flicker.
Verbs ending in 's' are for singular subjects (he/she/it) in the present tense.
I saw a flickers of light. → I saw a flicker of light. / I saw flickers of light.
Don't use 'a' with a plural noun.
The camera flickers when I take a photo. → The camera flashes when I take a photo.
A camera light is a single, bright 'flash', not a 'flicker'.
The wind flickers the candle. → The candle flickers in the wind.
'Flicker' is usually intransitive (it doesn't take an object).
A flicker of eternal love. → A flame of eternal love.
'Flicker' implies something brief, which contradicts 'eternal'.

Tips

Atmosphere

Use 'flickers' to create a sense of mystery or old-fashioned charm in your writing.

Agreement

Always check if your subject is singular or plural before using 'flickers' or 'flicker'.

Precision

Choose 'flickers' over 'shines' if the light is unsteady or about to go out.

Emotions

Use 'flickers of...' to describe feelings that are just starting or are very weak.

Troubleshooting

Use 'flickers' to describe screen issues to tech support for better clarity.

Stress

Remember to put the stress on the first part of the word: FLICK-ers.

Avoid Clichés

While 'flicker of hope' is common, try new pairings like 'flicker of curiosity' or 'flicker of resolve'.

Nature

Watch a fire or the stars to see the difference between flickering and glowing.

Etymology

Remember its bird-like origins to help you visualize the quick, fluttering movement.

Word Choice

In formal writing, consider 'fluctuates' or 'oscillates' for a more professional tone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'flick' of a switch. If you flick a switch on and off quickly, the light flickers. Flick + er = Flickers.

Visual Association

Imagine a candle in a dark room. The flame is moving left and right, almost going out. That is a flicker.

Word Web

light candle screen hope doubt movement unsteady brief

Challenge

Try to use 'flickers' as a verb and a noun in the same sentence. Example: 'A flicker of hope flickers in my heart.'

Word Origin

The word 'flicker' comes from the Middle English 'flikeren', which originated from the Old English 'flicorian'. It is related to the Dutch word 'flikkeren'.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Old English was 'to flutter' or 'to hover with vibrating wings', like a bird.

Germanic

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but be aware that flickering lights can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.

The term 'the flicks' is still used in the UK and Australia to mean the cinema, though it is becoming less common among younger generations.

The term 'flicker' is often used in the titles of horror movies to describe haunting lights. In literature, Charles Dickens used flickering light to create atmosphere in his novels. The 'flicker effect' is a well-known phenomenon in physics and electronics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Electronics Troubleshooting

The screen flickers.
The light flickers on and off.
Flicker-free monitor.
Why does it flicker?

Creative Writing

A flicker of hope.
The candle flickers.
Shadows flicker on the wall.
A flicker of a smile.

Nature Observation

Stars flicker in the sky.
Fireflies flicker.
Sunlight flickers through leaves.
The fire flickers.

Medical/Biological

Eyelid flickers.
Pulse flickers.
Flicker of recognition.
Muscle flickers.

History of Film

The flickers.
Early film flickers.
Flicker rate.
The flicks.

Conversation Starters

"Have you noticed if your computer screen flickers when you use certain apps?"

"Do you think a flicker of hope is enough to keep someone going in a tough situation?"

"Why do you think stars flicker more on some nights than others?"

"Have you ever seen a flicker of recognition in someone you haven't seen for years?"

"What do you do when the lights in your house start to flicker?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you felt a flicker of doubt about a decision you made.

Write about a scene in a dark room where the only light flickers. What is happening?

Think about a person you know. What flickers of emotion do they show most often?

Imagine you are watching an old movie. Describe how the screen flickers and how it makes you feel.

Write about a 'flicker of genius' you once had. Did you follow through on the idea?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both. As a verb, it's the third-person singular present (e.g., 'the light flickers'). As a noun, it's the plural form (e.g., 'flickers of light').

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'the light flickers' (singular) or 'the lights flicker' (plural).

It is an idiom meaning a very small, brief feeling that something good might happen.

Stars flicker (or twinkle) because their light is bent by different layers of the Earth's atmosphere as it travels to your eyes.

It is usually neutral, but it can be negative if it refers to a broken light or a failing emotion. It can be positive in a cozy context, like a fireplace.

A flash is one quick, bright light. A flicker is a series of quick, unsteady changes in light.

Yes, for small movements like eyelids or for brief emotions like 'a flicker of anger'.

It means something (like an engine or a screen) starts working suddenly after being off.

It is very old-fashioned slang. Most people today say 'the movies' or 'the cinema,' though 'the flicks' is still occasionally heard.

It is often caused by a low refresh rate, a loose cable, or a problem with the device's hardware.