Jet black

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Jet black" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very deep, dark shade of black, often in reference to hair, paint, or other objects. Example: "Her hair was a stunning jet black, shining under the bright lights of the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Jet black remains an issue," says the report.

TechCrunch

Jet Black has power.

Huffington Post

I loved jet black hair".

The New York Times

This other fellow's hair is jet black.

The New York Times

I say jet black, you say midnight.

The New York Times - Sports

She was dressed in the jet black of Parisian elegance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

There are 3 to 5 projecting, jet-black fruits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A curtain of jet-black bangs fell across her knuckles.

The New York Times

His jet-black hair has gone almost completely white.

The New Yorker

Jet-black comedy show is the way I describe it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her jet-black hair cascaded far down her back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Jet black" to specifically describe items or features that are intensely and purely black, such as "jet black hair" or "a jet black car".

Common error

Avoid using "Jet black" in abstract or metaphorical situations where a general term like "very dark" would suffice. The specificity of "Jet black" is best reserved for concrete descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Jet black" is as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that has a deep, intense black color. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of "Jet black" modifying nouns like "hair", "car", and "fabric".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Jet black" functions as a compound adjective used to describe something with an intensely dark black color. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in descriptive contexts across news, media, and general writing. It holds a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal usage. However, it's essential to ensure the specificity of "Jet black" is necessary and avoid overuse in abstract contexts. Alternatives like "pitch black" or "ebony" can be used for stylistic variation, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pitch black

Similar meaning, emphasizing the intensity of darkness.

Coal black

Compares the color to that of coal, a very dark substance.

Ebony

Refers to the dark, dense wood, implying a rich darkness.

Midnight black

Evokes the darkness of midnight.

Soot black

Suggests a black color similar to soot, emphasizing a duller black.

Raven black

Compares the color to the black feathers of a raven.

Deep black

A more general term, indicating a very intense black color.

Onyx

Refers to the black gemstone, suggesting a sleek and polished darkness.

Charcoal black

Suggests a softer, slightly less intense black, similar to charcoal.

Black as night

A simile indicating extreme darkness, relating it to the night.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Jet black" in a sentence?

Use "Jet black" to describe something with a deep, intense black color. For instance, "Her hair was a striking jet black."

What's a good alternative to "Jet black"?

Depending on the context, you could use "pitch black", "coal black", or "ebony" to describe a similar shade.

Is it appropriate to use "Jet black" in formal writing?

Yes, "Jet black" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing color. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it fits the tone.

How does "Jet black" differ from simply saying "black"?

"Jet black" implies a deeper, more intense shade of black than just "black". It's used to emphasize the purity and depth of the color, similar to "deep black".