Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the night.

Meaning: There was a bright light in the sky during the night, which was caused by lightning.

Choice of Words: Lightning is a sudden flash of light in the sky during a thunderstorm. Flashed means to shine suddenly and brightly. Sky is the upper part of the atmosphere that we can see. Illuminating means to light up.

Alternative Expressions

The lightning lit up the night sky.

Meaning: This means that the lightning made the dark night brighter with its flash.

Choice of Words: Lightning is the flash of light that comes with thunder during a storm. Lit means to make something bright or visible. Up means to make something higher or brighter. Night is the time when it is dark outside. Sky is the area above the Earth where we see clouds and the sun. When you put them together, "The lightning lit up the night sky" is a description of the lightning making the dark night sky brighter.

The night sky was illuminated by the lightning.

Meaning: This means that the lightning made the dark night brighter with its flash.

Choice of Words: Night is the time when it is dark outside. Sky is the area above the Earth where we see clouds and the sun. Illuminated means to light up or make something visible. Lightning is the flash of light that comes with thunder during a storm. When you put them together, "The night sky was illuminated by the lightning" is a description of the lightning making the dark night sky brighter.

Related Expressions