as dark as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as dark as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the darkness of one thing to another, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The night sky was as dark as coal, making the stars shine even brighter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the darkness even isn't as dark as I could have made it.

Huffington Post

(A "sea as dark as wine" dragged).

The New Yorker

The interiors were as dark as caves.

The New Yorker

A scoop is as dark as basalt.

The New York Times

The river turned as dark as slate.

The New Yorker

Keep your bedroom as dark as possible when sleeping.

Stanford University

What you see is as dark as the grave.

The New York Times

Though she's Tutsi like Maman, she's as dark as Papa.

The New Yorker

But the harmony never turns as dark as it should.

The New Yorker

But it's not all as dark as that.

The New York Times - Arts

As dark as this material might sound, it isn't.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as dark as" to create vivid imagery by comparing the darkness to something tangible and relatable to your audience. For instance, "as dark as the bottom of the ocean".

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons like "as dark as night" without considering if a more specific and creative simile would be more impactful. Strive for originality to enhance your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as dark as" functions as a comparative simile, drawing a parallel between the darkness of a subject and a familiar reference point. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as dark as" serves as a versatile simile for comparing levels of darkness. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and frequent across varied types of sources. To maximize its impact, avoid overused comparisons and opt for creative and specific imagery. Remember that alternatives, such as "as black as", may be more effective depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate the phrase "as dark as" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as black as

Focuses specifically on the color black, implying a deeper darkness.

as dim as

Emphasizes a lack of light, rather than complete darkness.

as murky as

Implies a darkness combined with cloudiness or opacity.

as gloomy as

Highlights the depressing or somber aspect of darkness.

as obscure as

Shifts the focus to a lack of clarity or understanding.

as shadowy as

Suggests a darkness filled with shadows and hidden areas.

as bleak as

Emphasizes the desolate and hopeless nature of a situation.

as somber as

Highlights the solemn and grave aspect of darkness.

as sinister as

Implies a threatening or evil quality associated with the darkness.

as opaque as

Highlights the inability to see through something, both literally and figuratively.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as dark as" is used to create a simile, comparing the degree of darkness of something to something else. For example, "The coffee was "as dark as" motor oil."

What is a good alternative to using "as dark as"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "as black as", "as dim as", or "as murky as" to describe something that is dark.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as dark as"?

Yes, the phrase "as dark as" is grammatically correct and is used to form similes. It follows the standard structure of "as + adjective + as + noun".

What's the difference between "as dark as" and "pitch black"?

"As dark as" is a simile that compares the darkness to something else, while "pitch black" is an idiom that means completely dark. "Pitch black" implies the highest degree of darkness.