dark as night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark as night" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the darkness of night in a poetic or descriptive way. Here are a few examples: - As the sun set behind the mountains, the sky grew dark as night. - The forest was eerily quiet, with only the occasional hoot of an owl breaking the darkness that was as dark as night. - She stumbled through the unfamiliar streets, her vision hindered by the dark as night sky above her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The septuagenarian smiles politely down at the audience but his lyrics are dark as night.

Independent

You have her complexion, too, which means you are dark as night.

The New Yorker

It quickly became as dark as night, yet it was still early afternoon.

The New York Times

The cars stopped and waited for the rain to end, but the clouds were so thick that it became as dark as night, and the race was abandoned.

The New York Times - Sports

Gusts of 235mph and sustained winds of 199mph were recorded and the rain and cloud was so dense the day seemed as dark as night.

Independent

A celebrated model, she was dark as night," she said, adding: "I couldn't believe that people were embracing a woman that looked so much like me as beautiful.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Is it possible to do that when you're writing a dark-as-night comedy about – among other things – a disgraced home economics teacher who survives by selling her body and her memories of the meals she once cooked, when food was not scarce?

The Guardian

"I waited an hour and a half for these," he says, merely as a statement of exasperated fact, while offering them to total strangers, both inside the dark-as-night bar and the shaded patio with picnic tables.

Vice

The film is a relatively straightforward (if dark-as-night) drama about a mistress whose lover of nine years (Don Murray) dies and leaves her without resources--emotional or financial.

Los Angeles Times

In Part III, the meditation experience becomes darker as night come on, and by Part IV, it is night and "Time and the bell have buried the day".

Wikipedia

Toby sent me the script, and at the end of episode seven, when we first arrive, the stage direction is something like 'dark as night and older than dirt!'," he says with glee.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark as night" when you want to emphasize the intensity and depth of darkness in a vivid and easily understandable way. It's a classic simile that resonates with many readers.

Common error

While "dark as night" is effective, avoid overusing it. Excessive reliance on clichés can weaken your writing. Consider using more specific or original descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark as night" functions primarily as a simile, comparing the degree of darkness to the inherent darkness of night. This comparison is readily understood and evokes a strong sense of near-total absence of light. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dark as night" is a common and grammatically correct simile used to emphasize the intensity of darkness. Ludwig's analysis, corroborated by examples from various sources, indicates its widespread usage across news, academic writing, and general contexts. While effective, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "pitch black" or "inky black" to maintain freshness in their writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "dark as night" into your vocabulary while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pitch black

Replaces the simile with a direct adjective describing extreme darkness.

inky black

Uses a color adjective to evoke a visual of darkness, similar to ink.

black as pitch

Inverts the structure of the simile but maintains the same concept of intense darkness.

completely dark

Emphasizes the completeness of the darkness without using figurative language.

total darkness

Focuses on the state of being completely without light.

as dark as a cave

Uses a different comparison to illustrate the depth of the darkness.

night-black

Combines the concept of night and the color black into a single adjective.

obscure as midnight

Emphasizes both the darkness and obscurity associated with midnight.

devoid of light

States that there is no light present, focusing on the absence.

unilluminated

A more formal term indicating a lack of illumination.

FAQs

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

You can use "dark as night" to vividly describe the absence of light, such as "The forest was "dark as night", making it difficult to see the path ahead".

What are some alternatives to "dark as night"?

Alternatives include "pitch black", "inky black", or "black as pitch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "dark as night" or "very dark"?

"Dark as night" is more evocative and descriptive, while "very dark" is simpler and more direct. The best choice depends on the desired tone and the context of your writing.

Can "dark as night" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "dark as night" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is hidden or difficult to understand, such as "The truth remained "dark as night", despite our best efforts to uncover it".