a dark night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dark night" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a night that lacks light, often evoking a sense of mystery or foreboding. Example: "As we walked through the forest, the path became increasingly difficult to navigate in the dark night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And what we have to do is put a shadow over his night, make it a dark night for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Like meeting strangers on a dark night.

Independent

And a dark night it is.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was a dark night on Broadway.

The New York Times

"It's a dark night for Brill.

The Guardian - Books

A connoiseur admiring a dark night peice [graphic].

Yale University

There was a dark night of the soul".

The Guardian - Music

Some would call it a dark night of the soul, a wrestling with his conscience.

University of California, Berkeley

When we look up on a dark night, we see a sky filled with stars.

Harvard University

Jungr experienced, as she recalls, "a dark night of the soul.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It doesn't show that "X" can't mean dog or fox-on-a-dark-night-at-a-distance.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dark night" to set a scene with a sense of mystery, suspense, or foreboding in your writing. It can also be used literally to describe a night with little to no light.

Common error

Avoid using "a dark night" in overly dramatic or predictable situations where it becomes a cliché. Instead, consider more original and descriptive alternatives to convey the atmosphere you intend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dark night" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun ("night") with an adjective ("dark"), creating a vivid image of a night lacking light. As Ludwig highlights, it’s used to establish setting and mood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dark night" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a night with little or no light. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is descriptive, and its purpose is to convey sensory information or create a specific atmosphere. It is most frequently found in News & Media, though it appears in academic and other contexts as well. When using the phrase, avoid overusing it in clichéd situations. Consider alternative phrases like "a moonless night" or "a pitch-black night" for more specific or impactful descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moonless night

Focuses specifically on the absence of the moon as the reason for the darkness.

a pitch-black night

Emphasizes the intensity and completeness of the darkness.

a starless night

Highlights the lack of stars visible in the night sky.

a night of profound darkness

Adds a sense of depth and intensity to the description of the darkness.

an inky night

Uses a metaphor to describe the darkness, comparing it to ink.

a night shrouded in darkness

Suggests that the darkness is enveloping or concealing something.

a night black as coal

Uses a simile to emphasize the darkness, comparing it to coal.

a lightless night

Directly states the absence of light.

a night obscured by shadows

Focuses on the presence of shadows contributing to the overall darkness.

a sunless night

Highlights the absence of the sun and, consequently, its light.

FAQs

How can I use "a dark night" in a sentence?

You can use "a dark night" to describe a setting, as in "It was "a dark night", and the forest seemed menacing" or to create a mood, as in "A dark night mirrored his troubled thoughts".

What's the difference between "a dark night" and "a moonless night"?

"A dark night" is a general description of a night lacking light. "A moonless night" specifies the reason for the darkness, indicating the absence of the moon. Therefore "a moonless night" can be a cause of a dark night.

Are there any idiomatic uses of "a dark night"?

Yes, "a dark night of the soul" is an idiom that refers to a period of intense spiritual or emotional crisis. However, "a dark night" on its own usually refers to the literal absence of light.

What can I say instead of "a dark night"?

You can use alternatives like "a moonless night", "a pitch-black night", or "a starless night" depending on the context.