dark times

USAGE SUMMARY

"dark times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time that is difficult or full of sadness. For example, "The country has gone through some dark times in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dark times.

The Guardian - Tech

Those were dark times.

The New York Times

("Men in Dark Times").

The New York Times

They were dark times.

The Guardian - Film

About the dark times".

The New Yorker

Before the dark times.

The Guardian - Film

These are dark times for Detroit.

The New Yorker

They don't see the dark times.

The New York Times - Sports

There have been dark times before.

The New York Times - Sports

Before the dark times, before the Empire".

Independent

"They were tough, dark times.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark times" to refer to periods marked by widespread adversity, moral decline, or significant challenges, providing a concise way to describe difficult eras or personal struggles.

Common error

Avoid using "dark times" to describe trivial inconveniences or temporary setbacks. The phrase carries a weight of significance and should be reserved for situations of genuine hardship or widespread difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark times" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing difficult periods in history, personal struggles, or societal challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dark times" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to describe periods of hardship, suffering, or moral decay. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, the phrase serves to highlight the severity and negativity of a particular era. When writing, it's best to reserve "dark times" for situations of genuine adversity and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "difficult period" or "hard times" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. The phrase is versatile, but its gravitas requires careful consideration of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard times

A more general term for experiencing adversity.

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time.

troubled days

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the period.

years of hardship

Highlights prolonged suffering.

era of adversity

Suggests a widespread and challenging condition.

period of suffering

Focuses on the pain and distress experienced.

bleak moments

Focuses on the lack of hope during the time.

times of sorrow

Highlights the emotional pain experienced.

desperate hours

Emphasizes the urgency and difficulty.

days of despair

Highlights the feeling of hopelessness.

FAQs

What does the phrase "dark times" mean?

The phrase "dark times" refers to a period characterized by hardship, suffering, or moral decay. It's often used to describe eras marked by significant challenges or widespread adversity.

What are some alternatives to saying "dark times"?

You can use alternatives such as "difficult period", "hard times", or "troubled days" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

You might say, "The country has experienced some "dark times" in recent years due to economic instability" or "During those "dark times", many people lost their jobs and homes".

Is it appropriate to use "dark times" in a lighthearted conversation?

Generally, no. "Dark times" carries a sense of seriousness and weight, so it's best reserved for discussing genuinely difficult or challenging situations. Using it in a lighthearted context could be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate.