at darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at darkness" is not correct and not commonly used in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a time or state of being in darkness, but it lacks clarity and proper usage. Example: "The creatures come out at darkness, lurking in the shadows."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

At darkness fell, protesters fought with a growing number of troops in riot gear who used water cannons in the grand square facing the building.

The New York Times

Late Thursday, the Marines of Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, staggered through muddy poppy fields at darkness, weighed down by weapons and backpacks and exhausted from a two-day foot patrol clearing a long stretch of road.

The New York Times

They are all motivated by this thought: What if you stopped working, and there was someone's mother -- or father, or brother, or wife -- still staring at darkness, waiting for light?

The New York Times

At worst, her films can give off an air of tidy unreality — and it is this unexamined aspect, I think, this failure to even hint at darkness, that most fuels critical ire.

The New York Times - Magazine

Alexander's lyrics keep hinting intriguingly at darkness: "I've got my secrets too … are you scared?" "I think I'm into you … what are you prepared to do?" It would be nice if a little of that tension trickled into the music, but it hardly ever does.

The Guardian - Music

This difference was superior for males during the light period and for females at darkness (data shown in Figure 6).

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

He waved a hand vaguely at the darkness.

The New Yorker

"The feeling is there as I look around at the darkness and the rain.

The Guardian - Books

Often, they chronicled "crimes of passion," hinting at the darkness lurking within civilized life.

The New Yorker

Bridget spent some moments staring at the darkness where her friend had been.

The New Yorker

Everything is at rest: darkness and bright, blossom and book.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "at darkness" is used, consider alternatives like "at nightfall" or "in the dark" for greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Always prioritize precise language.

Common error

Avoid relying on "at darkness" in formal writing, as it may be perceived as awkward or incorrect. Opt for more conventional phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at darkness" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time, indicating when something occurs. While Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as not correct, examples show its usage in various contexts to denote a specific time period related to the absence of light.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at darkness" appears in various contexts, especially scientific and news-related, Ludwig AI identifies it as not being correct. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully evaluate its use in writing. Alternatives like "at nightfall", "in the dark", or "during the night" are often more grammatically sound and clearer. When aiming for professional or academic writing, prioritizing these alternatives can help ensure precision and correctness. Always consider the context and audience to make an informed choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at nightfall

A more common and standard way to express the beginning of night.

when night falls

Focuses on the action of night beginning.

in the dark

Simple and direct way to refer to a state of darkness.

as night approaches

Highlights the gradual onset of night.

when darkness arrives

Emphasizes the arrival of darkness as an event.

as dusk settles

Describes the settling of dusk, the time before full darkness.

in the nighttime

Alternative phrasing to refer to the period of night.

during the night

Refers to the entire period of nighttime.

after sunset

Relates the timing to the setting of the sun.

under the cover of darkness

Emphasizes the concealing aspect of darkness.

FAQs

Is "at darkness" grammatically correct?

While used in some contexts, the phrase "at darkness" is considered less grammatically sound than alternatives like "at nightfall" or "in the dark".

What are some alternatives to saying "at darkness"?

Consider using phrases such as "when night falls", "after sunset", or "during the night" as alternatives to "at darkness".

Which is better, "at darkness" or "at nightfall"?

"At nightfall" is generally preferred over "at darkness" due to its more conventional and grammatically accepted usage.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "at darkness"?

You might find "at darkness" in scientific or technical writing, although more standard alternatives are generally recommended for clarity and correctness.