dark period

USAGE SUMMARY

"dark period" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to a period of time that is characterized by anguish, despair, or despair. For example, "The Great Depression was a dark period in US history marked by widespread unemployment and poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a very dark period".

The New Yorker

This is Mark Rothko's dark period.

The Guardian - Arts

It was "a very, very dark period.

The Guardian - Film

This has been a very dark period.

The Guardian - Sport

That was from your dark period".

The New Yorker

Paul I's reign was a dark period for Russia.

Britannica

It was a very sad and dark period," Lewis recalls.

The Washington Post

There is a dark period in American history.

The Washington Post

Was it a dark period for you as a person?

The Guardian

"That was a dark period," Ms. Sagal said.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a dark period for our country, our democracy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "dark period", ensure the context clearly indicates a time marked by significant distress, hardship, or negativity. Avoid using it for merely inconvenient or mildly unpleasant situations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of a situation by labeling it a "dark period" when it's simply a minor setback. Reserve this phrase for genuinely challenging or distressing times to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark period" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a specific era, event, or personal experience characterized by negative attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark period" effectively describes a time marked by hardship, distress, or negativity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. It is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to reserve it for genuinely challenging situations to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "difficult time" or "time of hardship" may be more appropriate for less severe situations. Using "dark period" judiciously ensures that your writing remains accurate and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult time

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the period, omitting the emotional negativity.

time of hardship

Highlights the suffering and adversity experienced during the period.

era of despair

Emphasizes the hopelessness and despondency associated with the period.

troubled times

A more general term for a period marked by problems and difficulties.

period of decline

Focuses on the deterioration or weakening that occurred during the period.

unhappy chapter

Implies a segment of a larger narrative filled with unpleasantness.

testing times

Highlights the challenging and demanding nature of the period.

grim era

Emphasizes the bleak and somber atmosphere of the period.

time of adversity

Focuses on the unfavorable conditions and misfortune experienced.

moment of crisis

Refers to a specific point of intense difficulty or danger within the period.

FAQs

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

Use "dark period" to describe a time characterized by distress, hardship, or negativity. For example, "The recession was a "dark period" for many families."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "dark period"?

If "dark period" seems too intense, consider alternatives like "difficult time", "challenging phase", or "tough spell" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dark period" in a business context?

Yes, it can be appropriate if the business experienced a significant downturn or crisis. For example, "The company went through a "dark period" following the product recall."

What are some historical examples of a "dark period"?

Examples include the Great Depression, the Holocaust, or any era marked by widespread suffering or oppression. These periods are often referred to as "dark period" in historical analyses.