as dark as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as dark as the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in similes to compare the darkness of something to another object or concept, often to emphasize the intensity of darkness. Example: "The night sky was as dark as the depths of the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

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

But nothing as dark as the ending of this masterpiece.

The Guardian - Books

The foyer was as dark as the cellar.

The New York Times

This novel had to be as dark as the darkest books of the Bible.

The New Yorker

For long moments his garrulous "Godot" is every bit as dark as the theatrical original.

The New York Times - Books

But still, the mood on opening day seemed as dark as the apparel.

The New York Times

Oh EastEnders, with your storylines as dark as the Cokers' family business, can you offer nothing but doom and gloom?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In previous series Lund has worn serious cable-knit in colours as dark as the crimes she is solving.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the presence of these luminescent adversaries, it's much safer to be as dark as the surrounding water.

The New York Times - Science

"This is pushing my nerves to the limit," Mr. Kron said one recent morning, the sky as dark as the unplanted earth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as dark as the" to create vivid and relatable imagery. For instance, "The room was "as dark as the" inside of a cave," helping the reader visualize the level of darkness.

Common error

Avoid using "as dark as the" with overused comparisons such as "night" or "void". Instead, choose specific and original comparisons to make your writing more engaging and unique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as dark as the" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It introduces a simile, comparing the darkness of one thing to another. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing various levels and types of darkness, from literal absence of light to metaphorical darkness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as dark as the" is a versatile comparative tool used to vividly describe varying degrees of darkness by relating it to other objects or concepts. According to Ludwig, this comparative adjective phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. It serves to create relatable imagery and enhance understanding of the intensity of darkness. While effective, it's important to avoid clichés and opt for original comparisons. Alternatives such as "as black as" or "the darkness of" can offer nuanced variations. Overall, "as dark as the" remains a valuable asset in descriptive writing, provided it's used thoughtfully and creatively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as black as

Replaces "dark" with "black", focusing specifically on color.

pitch black like

Uses the term "pitch black" for emphasis and uses "like" to introduce the comparison.

the inky blackness of

Replaces "dark" with "inky blackness" for a more descriptive and intense image.

as dim as

Uses "dim" to describe a lower level of light, implying a weaker form of darkness.

as dusky as

Uses "dusky" to describe a subdued, softer form of darkness.

as shadowy as

Emphasizes the presence of shadows, suggesting partial darkness.

the darkness of

Emphasizes the state of being dark, rather than comparing it.

veiled in darkness like

Emphasizes the obscuring nature of darkness.

as unilluminated as

Uses a more formal term, "unilluminated", to describe the lack of light.

as obscure as

Uses "obscure" to describe something not easily seen or understood, implying a metaphorical darkness.

FAQs

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

Use "as dark as the" to compare the degree of darkness of something to another object or concept. For example: "His mood was "as dark as the storm"".

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

You can use alternatives like "as black as", "pitch black", or "the darkness of" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "as dark as the night" or "as dark as night"?

"As dark as the night" is generally preferred because it refers to a specific instance of night, enhancing the imagery. "As dark as night" is also acceptable but less descriptive.

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

While both compare levels of darkness, "as black as the" specifically refers to the color black, implying a complete absence of light. "As dark as the" is a more general comparison of darkness.