complete blackness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete blackness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of total darkness or absence of light. Example: "As the lights went out, the room was enveloped in complete blackness, making it impossible to see anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

These can turn off independently, creating spots of complete blackness.

The New York Times - Tech

In "The Great Moment" I wanted to convey vastness -- and complete blackness.

The New York Times

In complete blackness, the owl did not attempt to search for mice.

Cornell University

National Public Radio gave the book a rave, praising its "ornery humor" about "the injuries that result from having sex in complete blackness" and "the perils of knitting blind".

The New Yorker

They move in, slithering on their bellies where the smoke and flames are lowest, 100 pounds of equipment weighing them down, feeling their way along a wall in complete blackness, into the searing heat.

The New York Times

"Inside, it was beyond anything I have ever seen, or hope ever to see again". "You stood there in complete blackness squishing and squashing underfoot as you walked," she added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For the vocals, "we would line all the microphone stands up on the end of the stage, and we'd have all the lights out in the middle of the night, and we'd be singing into complete pitch blackness," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It sounded like data finding symmetry and melody in complete empty blackness.

Vice

WeIthing Up the Pros and Cons of the Newasmy Winehouse Documentary.

Vice

Fill the eye completely with blackness except for the iris.

WikiHow

I tumbled down blinded into a blackness that was utter, complete, final".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete blackness" to vividly describe scenes where there is an absolute absence of light, creating a strong sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "complete blackness" when a less literal term like "deep shadow" or "obscurity" would be more appropriate for metaphorical descriptions. "Complete blackness" is most effective when describing literal darkness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete blackness" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies a noun or pronoun, providing details about the state of darkness and emphasizing its absolute quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete blackness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an absolute absence of light. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correctly used in English. Its function is primarily descriptive, serving to create a vivid sensory experience and evoke specific emotions. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register while delivering a powerful image. For alternative expressions, consider "total darkness" or "pitch blackness", each offering a slightly different nuance while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total darkness

Emphasizes the absolute absence of light, similar to complete blackness but with a slightly broader connotation.

absolute darkness

Highlights the utter lack of light, synonymous with complete blackness and total darkness.

utter darkness

Stresses the completeness and intensity of the darkness, close in meaning to "complete blackness".

pitch blackness

Indicates a darkness so profound it resembles pitch, a very dark substance.

inky blackness

Describes darkness with a quality like ink, suggesting a deep and intense darkness.

profound darkness

Highlights the depth and intensity of the darkness, implying a strong sense of obscurity.

deep darkness

Similar to profound darkness, indicating a significant level of darkness.

total obscurity

Focuses on the lack of visibility, rather than just the absence of light.

unrelieved darkness

Emphasizes the continuous and unbroken nature of the darkness.

lightless void

Combines the absence of light with the concept of emptiness or a vast space.

FAQs

How can I use "complete blackness" in a sentence?

You can use "complete blackness" to describe a scene lacking light, such as: "The cave was filled with "complete blackness", making it impossible to see."

What are some alternatives to "complete blackness"?

Alternatives include "total darkness", "pitch blackness", or "utter darkness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "complete blackness" redundant?

While "blackness" implies the absence of light, "complete blackness" emphasizes the total and absolute lack of light. The addition of "complete" is used for greater emphasis.

How does "complete blackness" differ from "darkness"?

"Darkness" generally refers to the partial or total absence of light. "Complete blackness" specifies an absolute absence, offering a more intense and vivid image. It describes a state where no light is present at all, unlike simple darkness which can imply dimness or shadow.