dark passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark passage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dimly lit or foreboding corridor, route, or metaphorical journey, often evoking a sense of mystery or danger. Example: "As she entered the dark passage, a chill ran down her spine, and she hesitated before moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

St. Aubyn then reached a dark passage of self-analysis.

The New Yorker

13 Key Largo; To Have And Have Not; The Big Sleep; Dark Passage?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She made two further good films with Bogart, The Dark Passage and Key Largo.

The Guardian - Film

A dark passage guarded by golden unicorns leads into a courtyard with vivid, custard-yellow façades.

The Guardian - Travel

This single qubit evolves mainly through two high efficient passages: a dark passage and a bright passage.

Optics Communications

and then, in the suddenly dark passage, by the thick warm smell, catching at my throat, of blocked drains.

The New York Times - Books

I know, I know, you had good reasons for surgically reconstituting yourself like Humphrey Bogart in "Dark Passage".

The New Yorker

They had to join her in her struggle, and she led them though a dark passage into a triumphant zone".

The New York Times - Arts

I'm delighted that, in this dark passage of your life, light has poured in with the presence of your ex.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first double bill in 2003, "The Maltese Falcon" and "Dark Passage" — two seminal San Francisco noirs — sold out.

The New York Times

"And I said, 'Mr Beckett, you must be photographed, you agreed.' He was in this awful dark passage.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark passage" to evoke a sense of mystery, danger, or transition, whether in a literal or metaphorical context. It's especially effective in creative writing and descriptive narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "dark passage" solely for its literal meaning (a poorly lit hallway) when a simpler description would suffice. The phrase's strength lies in its metaphorical potential to convey emotional or psychological states.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor of a physical space or a metaphorical period. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, adding depth and nuance to descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark passage" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical spaces and metaphorical journeys or periods. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. Its strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of mystery, challenge, or transition, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to create a specific mood or convey complex emotions. While alternatives like "shadowy corridor" or "bleak period" exist, "dark passage" holds its unique power in capturing the essence of a difficult or uncertain phase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shadowy corridor

Emphasizes the physical aspect of a dark and narrow space.

gloomy pathway

Emphasizes a literal or figurative path that is dark and depressing.

foreboding tunnel

Highlights a sense of impending danger or unease in a confined space.

murky path

Implies a route that is unclear and potentially dangerous.

bleak period

Focuses on a difficult or depressing time in someone's life.

ominous gateway

Suggests a passage that hints at future misfortune or negative events.

difficult phase

Highlights a challenging stage or period of development.

trying time

Stresses the stressful and challenging nature of a particular period.

troubled chapter

Focuses on a specific part of a story or history marked by difficulties.

desolate stretch

Highlights a period or area characterized by emptiness and sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "dark passage" to describe a physical space, like "The old house had a "dark passage" leading to the cellar." It can also be used metaphorically, such as "His life was a "dark passage" after the loss of his job".

What are some alternatives to "dark passage"?

Alternatives include "shadowy corridor", "bleak period", or "difficult phase", depending on whether you're referring to a physical space or a metaphorical situation.

Is "dark passage" a common expression?

Yes, "dark passage" is a fairly common expression, especially in literature and descriptive writing, as confirmed by Ludwig. It effectively conveys a sense of gloom, mystery, or a challenging period.

Can "dark passage" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "dark passage" can be used in formal writing, particularly when aiming to create a specific mood or convey a sense of transition or difficulty. However, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's connotations of darkness and challenge.