current of darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "current of darkness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a pervasive or overwhelming sense of negativity, despair, or evil in a situation or environment. Example: "As the storm approached, a current of darkness seemed to envelop the town, casting a shadow over the festivities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, there was a current of darkness swirling beneath the jubilation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even when the poem is printed in the program book (as it was here), the currents of darkness and redemption that run through it make a stronger impact when it is read aloud than when it is scanned quickly in the moments before the lights go down.

The New York Times - Arts

For instance, the company's current production, "The Power of Darkness" — an unfamous play by the very famous Leo Tolstoy — has been awaiting its moment for two decades.

The New York Times

Management urges Ben to find and bring Scudder to him, as he will know the identity of the current generation's Avatar of Darkness.

Wikipedia

The dark environment consisted of 24 hours of darkness.

BMC Biotechnology

Who really thinks that Sir Fred Goodwin (left), now cast as the prince of darkness in British banking, had a big role in creating the current economic turmoil?

The Guardian - Business

The New York premiere performances of "Darkness and Light" occur as part of Program 3 of the troupe's current season at the Joyce Theater.

The New York Times - Arts

From the very inception of the current downturn, sprawling places like southeast California's Inland Empire have been widely portrayed as the heart of darkness.

Forbes

Under cover of darkness, smugglers put them into rubber boats and pushed them off into the dangerous currents.

BBC

The heart of darkness.

The New Yorker

Lygophobia- Fear of darkness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "current of darkness" to add a metaphorical layer to your writing, suggesting a pervasive and often unseen force of negativity or evil. It's particularly effective when describing the atmosphere surrounding events or situations with underlying tension.

Common error

Avoid using "current of darkness" in overly simplistic or literal situations. The phrase is more impactful when applied to complex or nuanced scenarios where the darkness is metaphorical rather than directly visible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "current of darkness" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a metaphorical flow or pervasive feeling of negativity or evil. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "current of darkness" is a grammatically correct, though relatively rare, noun phrase used to describe a pervasive sense of negativity or evil. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable in English. Its primary function is to evoke unease, often in news, science, and wiki contexts. While not overly formal, it's best used in situations where a metaphorical, underlying sense of darkness is implied. For more common alternatives, consider phrases like "wave of despair" or "tide of gloom". Remember that its impact comes from nuanced scenarios rather than literal descriptions. The phrase's strength lies in its metaphorical depth, suggesting hidden tensions or negative forces at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wave of despair

Replaces 'current' with 'wave' to emphasize a sudden, intense feeling and 'darkness' with 'despair' to specify the emotion.

tide of gloom

Substitutes 'current' with 'tide', suggesting a gradual and persistent feeling; replaces 'darkness' with 'gloom' to highlight the somber mood.

surge of negativity

Uses 'surge' to convey a forceful, abrupt rise in negativity instead of a continuous flow of darkness.

undercurrent of malice

Replaces 'current' with 'undercurrent' to imply a hidden or subtle feeling; 'darkness' becomes 'malice' to denote ill intent.

stream of shadows

Replaces 'current' with 'stream' and 'darkness' with 'shadows', keeping a similar metaphorical structure but with a slightly different image.

atmosphere of dread

Shifts from a flowing metaphor to describing an overall atmosphere characterized by fear.

climate of despair

Changes the imagery to a long-term, pervasive feeling of hopelessness instead of a flowing force.

pervasive sense of unease

Alters the metaphor to a widespread feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

growing shadow of evil

Emphasizes the increasing presence of evil, portrayed as a shadow.

rising tide of wickedness

Uses 'rising tide' to depict an increase in wickedness, diverging from the original's flowing 'current'.

FAQs

How can I use "current of darkness" in a sentence?

You can use "current of darkness" to describe a pervasive sense of negativity or foreboding. For example: "Despite the festive atmosphere, a "current of darkness" seemed to run beneath the surface, hinting at underlying tensions."

What can I say instead of "current of darkness"?

Alternatives include "wave of despair", "tide of gloom", or "surge of negativity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "current of darkness" a common phrase in English?

While grammatically correct, "current of darkness" is not extremely common. Other phrases like "heart of darkness" or "shadow of doubt" may be more frequently used to express similar ideas.

What is the difference between "current of darkness" and "heart of darkness"?

"Current of darkness" suggests a flowing, underlying sense of negativity, while "heart of darkness", inspired by Joseph Conrad's novella, typically refers to a central or fundamental source of evil or moral decay.