at dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at dark" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It can be used to refer to a time when it is dark outside, but it is more natural to use other expressions. Example: "We decided to leave the campsite at dark to avoid getting lost."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

There is also information about zoo programs like the Park at Dark, allowing members to visit at night.

The New York Times

It hints at dark consequences.

The Economist

At dark, she still had not returned.

The New Yorker

He hinted at dark activities during Prohibition.

The New York Times

Others took shots at dark humor.

The New York Times

The boat pulled away from the Saznekhali jetty at dark.

The New Yorker

At dark, I walked down to Beale Street.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In LD, the anticipatory activity ramps at dark-light (morning) and light-dark (evening) transitions are visualised using histograms plots.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Gunman kills 12, injures 50 at 'Dark Knight Rises' screening.

Los Angeles Times

Thirty Deaths in Two Hours: This Is How Awful I Am at 'Dark Souls III'.

Vice

The piece was recently shown at Dark Horse Experiment in Melbourne, Australia.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "at night" or "after dark" for clarity and better readability. While "at dark" is understandable, it may sound slightly archaic or less natural to contemporary readers.

Common error

Avoid using "at dark" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more standard and widely accepted phrases to maintain a professional tone and ensure clarity. In formal contexts, the phrase can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at dark" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the time at which an action occurs. It modifies verbs by indicating when something happens, similar to how "at night" or "at sunset" would function, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at dark" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a time of day. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig suggests that it is less common and may sound less natural than alternatives like "at night" or "after dark". It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. Ludwig AI suggests you should use this expression with caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it's dark

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

at nighttime

Synonymous with "at night", referring to the period of darkness.

after nightfall

Refers to the period immediately following the onset of night, similar to "at dark".

after sundown

A more specific time reference, indicating the period following the setting of the sun.

when night falls

Describes the moment when darkness begins, offering a slightly more descriptive alternative.

in the darkness

Focuses more on the state of being dark rather than the specific time, but still conveys a similar idea.

under the cover of darkness

Implies secrecy or concealment afforded by the darkness, adding a layer of meaning beyond just the time of day.

in the blackness

Highlights the intensity of the darkness, suggesting a complete absence of light.

in the evening

A broader term for the time period when darkness begins to set in.

during twilight

Refers to the period of partial darkness between day and night.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "at dark"?

More common alternatives include "at night", "after dark", or "when it gets dark". These are generally preferred in contemporary English.

Is it grammatically incorrect to say "at dark"?

No, "at dark" isn't grammatically incorrect, but it's less frequently used compared to phrases like "at night". It might sound slightly unusual to some native English speakers.

When is it appropriate to use "at dark"?

While not incorrect, it's best to use "at dark" sparingly. Consider its impact on clarity and naturalness. In most situations, alternatives like "at night" or "after dark" are more suitable.

How does "at dark" compare to "in the dark"?

"At dark" refers to a specific time when darkness begins, while "in the dark" refers to a state of being without light or a state of ignorance. For example, "We arrived at dark" versus "We were left in the dark about the details".