as dark as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as dark as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very dark, often in a metaphorical sense, and is typically followed by a noun that specifies what is being compared to. Example: "The room was as dark as a cave, making it difficult to see anything at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

Similes

Descriptive writing

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But the skin was as dark as a hazelnut and crunched like a potato chip.

The New York Times - Food

The Donovan House, after all, is almost as dark as a theater.

The New York Times - Travel

The kitchen was as dark as a cave, its cream-painted walls greenish with age, erupting in mineral crusts.

The New Yorker

It was as dark as a motive, and smoky on the tongue, like a kiss between cigarettes.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Giorno's smile vanished like the sun and his face went as dark as a sky before a storm.

The New York Times - Food

My corner room had a wraparound balcony but faced another building and felt as dark as a dungeon.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The larger pixels are paired with new noise reduction technologies that counteract the added noise effect of using larger pixels, which allows for full HD video shooting in environments as dark as an outdoor setting with just a crescent moon providing illumination.

TechCrunch

It's dark, but not as dark as an even smaller room behind the TV, where men occasionally slip away.

Vice

He visited an orphanage where 40 children tried to entertain their guests by putting on a show, but with a subject as dark as any Shakespearean tragedy.

The Guardian

Stein, himself a miner from Lanarkshire, said "there's nothing as dark as the darkness down a pit, the blackness that closes in on you if your lamp goes out.

The Guardian

There's nothing as dark as the darkness down a pit, the blackness that closes in on you if your lamp goes out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as dark as a" to create vivid imagery and enhance descriptive passages. Ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the reader for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid pairing "as dark as a" with overused comparisons (e.g. "as dark as night") to maintain originality. Opt for more creative and specific comparisons to enhance the writing's impact.

Linguistic Context

Simile. The phrase "as dark as a" functions as a simile, used to create a comparison between the darkness of something and another object or concept, vividly describing the level of darkness. Ludwig AI confirms the correct and frequent usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as dark as a" is a common and grammatically sound simile used to create vivid descriptions by comparing the darkness of something to a familiar object or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's prevalent in various contexts, especially News & Media, but also in Wiki and Science. To enhance your writing, ensure the comparison is relatable and avoid overused clichés. Alternatives such as "as black as" or "pitch black" can offer similar effects. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "as dark as a" to create compelling imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as black as

Focuses specifically on the color black, implying intense darkness.

pitch black

Highlights the absolute absence of light, emphasizing complete darkness.

dark like

More direct comparison, emphasizing similarity to something dark.

shadowy as

Emphasizes the presence of shadows and lack of light.

dim as

Suggests a lower degree of light, indicating partial darkness.

unlit as

Highlights the absence of artificial lighting.

murky as

Suggests darkness combined with obscurity or lack of clarity.

gloomy as

Emphasizes the depressing or somber atmosphere associated with darkness.

obscure as

Highlights the lack of clarity or understanding, rather than just physical darkness.

dusky as

Suggests a soft, subdued darkness, like twilight.

FAQs

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

Use "as dark as a" to compare the darkness of something to something else that is known to be dark. For example, "The room was "as dark as a cave"."

What are some alternatives to "as dark as a"?

Alternatives include "as black as", pitch black, or simply using adjectives like shadowy or murky depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as dark as a" formal or informal?

"As dark as a" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more creative descriptions might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "as dark as a" and "darker than a"?

"As dark as a" implies a direct comparison of equal darkness, while "darker than a" indicates that one thing is more dark than another. The choice depends on the specific comparison you want to make.