darkest times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkest times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of great difficulty, suffering, or despair in someone's life or in history. Example: "During the darkest times of the war, the community came together to support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it doesn't always show up in the darkest times.

The New Yorker

Both show the possibility of light in even the darkest times.

The New York Times

But it's really about keeping the light of the world aflicker, even in the darkest times.

The Guardian - Books

"Our 25th broadside is inspired by the women who keep the lights burning in the darkest times.

Stanford University

Oo you looking at?" He told us he had been a passionate Liberal Democrat all his days, even in the darkest times.

The Guardian

D&D has been probably the biggest one thing to help me through my darkest times.

BBC

We've come to be here to help illuminate the darkest times.

Huffington Post

My family turned to gallows humor to cope in the darkest times.

Huffington Post

As the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in the U.S. Congress, my father lived through some of the world's darkest times.

HuffPost

I am a lover of the New thought, age old knowledge and wisdom, and indeed, it has helped me through my darkest times.

HuffPost

At U.S.VETS' residential sites, we create a sense of community by connecting veterans with other veterans to help through the darkest times.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darkest times" to convey periods of intense difficulty, suffering, or moral depravity, lending a somber and reflective tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "darkest times" in contexts that don't warrant such a heavy tone; reserve it for situations of genuine adversity or significance to prevent sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darkest times" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing periods characterized by significant hardship, suffering, or moral depravity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "darkest times" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe periods of immense difficulty, suffering, or moral darkness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide application across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral to formal register, effectively conveying gravity and reflection. When writing, it is advisable to reserve "darkest times" for situations of genuine adversity to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "most difficult periods" or "times of greatest adversity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most difficult periods

Focuses on the difficulty experienced during the period, rather than the darkness or negativity.

times of greatest adversity

Highlights the challenging and adverse nature of the circumstances.

bleakest moments

Emphasizes the feeling of hopelessness and desolation.

hardest trials

Focuses on the challenges and tests faced during a specific time.

worst days

A more colloquial and straightforward way to refer to periods of suffering.

most trying times

Highlights the stressful and demanding nature of the period.

periods of despair

Emphasizes the lack of hope and emotional distress experienced.

moments of crisis

Focuses on the critical and unstable nature of the situation.

low points

A more general term for unfavorable or unfortunate times.

hours of darkness

Uses a more figurative and dramatic expression for difficult times.

FAQs

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

You can use "darkest times" to describe periods of great difficulty, suffering, or despair, such as "During the "darkest times" of the war, the community came together".

What phrases are similar to "darkest times"?

Alternatives include "most difficult periods", "times of greatest adversity", or "bleakest moments", each emphasizing different aspects of the challenging period.

Is "darkest times" grammatically correct?

Yes, "darkest times" is a grammatically correct phrase, functioning as an adjective modifying a noun.

What's the difference between "darkest times" and "most challenging moments"?

"Darkest times" emphasizes the negativity and despair of a period, while "most challenging moments" focuses on the difficulty and the need to overcome obstacles.