dark was falling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dark was falling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the onset of evening or twilight, often creating a mood or setting in a narrative. Example: "As the sun dipped below the horizon, dark was falling, casting long shadows across the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We met at the end of the block, just as dark was falling.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Beck held the floor himself for a good hour, warning that "the threats are mounting, evil is growing, dark is falling".

The New York Times

"It was dark, and rain was falling all over it, and the lights were all on it around it.

The New York Times - Arts

Seven hours in, with an end to the siege nowhere in sight, it had grown dark, and a light drizzle was falling.

The New Yorker

The kids were standing by the playhouse — which itself was falling to decrepitude, dark-gray smears of mildew growing on its fake logs — pretending to be a mom and a dad themselves, although they were a bit too old and self-conscious for playacting.

The New Yorker

It was falling on every part of the dark central plain, on the treeless hills, falling softly upon the Bog of Allen and, farther westward, softly falling into the dark mutinous Shannon waves.

The New Yorker

It was falling on every part of the dark central section, on the balcony, falling softly upon the first rows.

The New York Times

Evening was falling and the windows were turning darker.

The New Yorker

Despite all of America's entrepreneurial "dynamism," a new dark age is falling.

The New York Times - Books

TOM WOLFE once delivered the perfect retort to Günter Grass's portentous warning that "the dark night of fascism is falling on America".

The Economist

In a National Public Radio interview in 1995, he explained the genesis of this improvisatory mode: Actually, they began because my wife liked to have me tell her stories when we were in bed in the dark before we were falling asleep.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dark was falling" to create a sense of foreboding or transition in your writing, setting the stage for events that occur under the cover of night.

Common error

Avoid using "dark was falling" in direct dialogue; it is more suited to narrative descriptions or prose. Instead, characters might comment on specific changes they perceive with expressions like "It's getting late" or "Look how dark it's getting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dark was falling" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often serving as an introductory clause to set the scene or establish a specific mood in a narrative. The example provided by Ludwig supports this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dark was falling" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe the transition from daylight to night. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English writing. Though not extremely common, its usage is prevalent in News & Media, making it a neutral expression suitable for various contexts. When employing this phrase, consider its descriptive power and how it can enhance the mood and setting of your narrative. Alternatives like "night was coming" or "dusk was settling" may suit other nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

night was coming

Focuses on the approach of night, simplifying the description of darkening.

evening was approaching

Similar to 'night was coming' but specifies 'evening'.

twilight was descending

Uses 'descending' to evoke the gradual fall of twilight.

dusk was settling

Implies a peaceful transition to darkness.

shadows were lengthening

Highlights the visual effect of the setting sun.

daylight was fading

Focuses on the reduction of light.

the sun was setting

Describes the action of the sun going down.

nightfall was near

Indicates the imminence of night.

darkness was approaching

Emphasizes the impending darkness.

the day was ending

Broadly describes the close of the day, not specifically darkness.

FAQs

What does the phrase "dark was falling" mean?

The phrase "dark was falling" describes the transition from daylight to darkness, typically during the evening or twilight hours. It evokes a sense of the end of the day and the approach of night.

How can I use "dark was falling" in a sentence?

You can use "dark was falling" to set a scene or create a specific mood. For example: "As "dark was falling", the forest grew silent." or "Dark was falling when they reached the old, abandoned house."

What are some alternatives to "dark was falling"?

Some alternatives include "night was coming", "dusk was settling", or "twilight was descending". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dark was falling" a formal or informal expression?

"Dark was falling" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in descriptive writing. However, more casual conversation might favor simpler alternatives like "it was getting late".