a very dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant lack of light or is associated with darkness in a figurative sense. Example: "The room was a very dark place, making it difficult to see anything clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very dark day.

Independent

It's a very dark story.

The New Yorker

He just had a very dark shadow".

The New York Times - Books

It was a very dark period".

The New Yorker

We're in a very dark place".

The New York Times - Arts

It's a very dark coffee.

The Guardian

He's a very dark character.

The Guardian - Music

A "very dark scarlet", Anne wittily observes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is a very dark tale.

The Guardian

It was a very dark trip.

The Guardian - Music

I went through a very dark place.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very dark" to describe a situation or feeling, consider adding context to clarify the specific type of darkness you're referring to (e.g., "a very dark time in history", "a very dark sense of humor").

Common error

Avoid using "a very dark" too frequently as a metaphor for negative emotions or situations, as it can become cliché. Explore other descriptive words to convey the specific emotion or atmosphere you're trying to create.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very dark" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its degree of darkness. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing both physical spaces and abstract concepts such as periods of time or emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very dark" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that intensifies the concept of darkness, applicable both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI indicates that it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly within news, academic, and scientific domains. While its versatility is a strength, mindful writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives for nuanced expression. The phrase enjoys widespread recognition and is generally suitable for neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely dark

Emphasizes the intensity of darkness to a greater degree.

intensely dark

Highlights the powerful or extreme nature of the darkness.

deeply shadowed

Focuses on the presence of shadows as the primary source of darkness.

pitch-black

Indicates a complete absence of light, offering a more absolute sense of darkness.

utterly devoid of light

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the total lack of illumination.

almost no light

Expresses darkness by focusing on the near absence of light.

heavily shaded

Similar to "deeply shadowed", but emphasizes the quantity or density of the shading.

murky and dim

Combines the idea of darkness with a sense of obscurity and poor visibility.

obscure and shadowy

Highlights the obscurity and the presence of shadows contributing to darkness.

dimly lit

Focuses on the low level of light, rather than direct darkness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very dark" to describe a physical lack of light, as in "The room was "a very dark" space", or metaphorically, as in "It was "a very dark" period in my life".

What are some synonyms for "a very dark"?

Some synonyms include "extremely dark", "pitch-black", or "deeply shadowed", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a very dark" in formal writing?

Yes, "a very dark" is appropriate in formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider if a more precise or evocative term might better suit your specific context.

What's the difference between "a very dark" and "a dark"?

Adding "very" intensifies the darkness. "A dark" describes a general lack of light, while ""a very dark"" indicates a significant or extreme lack of light.