dark house

USAGE SUMMARY

"dark house" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a house that is physically dark, either due to minimal lighting or a lack of windows, or to convey a sense of gloom or mystery. Example sentence: As she walked down the deserted street, she passed by a dark house with boarded up windows that gave her an eerie feeling.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A dark house in a New England town.

The New Yorker

She scanned the dark house, one hand visoring her eyes.

The New Yorker

A typical dark house is a wood-framed shack with….

The New Yorker

This used to mean a dark house a night after.

The New Yorker

The only light in a spearfishing dark house comes up from the frozen lake beneath it.

The New Yorker

"They hated a dark house, but had beautiful tapestries," he remembered.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Having electricity feels like a luxury after two nights of treading around a pitch-dark house.

The Guardian

Both "Horror Island" (1941) and "Night Monster" (1942) are dark-house thrillers with less intrusive comic elements.

The New York Times

And when a summer storm arrives, it's the scenery-rattling, curtain-whipping kind you associate with vintage dark-house suspense movies.

The New York Times

"The Sad Milkman" is set at night: "Above the dark house/ On a black tar roof/ Stood the sad milkman/ In love with the moon".

Los Angeles Times

'IN A DARK DARK HOUSE' Previews start on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark house" when you want to evoke a sense of mystery, unease, or simply to describe a house with minimal lighting. The phrase is suitable for both literal descriptions and metaphorical expressions.

Common error

While technically correct, using "dark house" in a context that is intended to be cheerful or optimistic can create unintentional dissonance. Consider using alternative descriptions like "cozy" or "dimly lit" if the intent is positive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark house" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where the adjective "dark" modifies the noun "house". It is used to depict a dwelling characterized by its lack of light. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark house" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a dwelling lacking adequate light. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and commonly used. It frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, often conveying a sense of mystery or gloom. While versatile, it's important to consider the connotations of darkness and ensure its use aligns with the intended tone. Alternatives such as "dimly lit house" or "shadowy dwelling" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to avoid overusing "dark house" in contexts that require positive and cheerful tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dimly lit house

Focuses on the low level of illumination within the house.

unlit house

Emphasizes the absence of artificial lighting.

poorly lit house

Highlights the inadequate lighting conditions.

shadowy dwelling

Shifts the focus to the abundance of shadows and a general sense of darkness.

gloomy residence

Emphasizes the somber and depressing atmosphere of the house.

murky home

Implies a lack of clarity and light, suggesting a sense of obscurity.

darkened home

Indicates a state where the home is made dark, either intentionally or unintentionally.

house in shadow

Suggests the house is positioned in a way that it receives little to no direct sunlight.

obscure house

Highlights the house's hidden or concealed nature, possibly due to darkness.

sunless house

Focuses on the lack of sunlight entering the house.

FAQs

How can I use "dark house" in a sentence?

You can use "dark house" to describe a physical location, as in: "She hesitated before entering the "dark house" on the hill." Or, you can use it metaphorically to describe a somber or mysterious situation.

What are some alternatives to "dark house"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "dimly lit house", "shadowy dwelling", or "gloomy residence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "dark house" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "dark house" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when the context requires a specific description of a dwelling or a metaphorical representation of a bleak or mysterious situation. Consider your audience and purpose when making your choice.

What is the difference between "dark house" and "haunted house"?

While a ""dark house"" simply refers to a house with minimal lighting, a "haunted house" implies that the house is inhabited by ghosts or supernatural entities. A dark house can be haunted, but not all dark houses are haunted.