darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "darkness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a lack of light, obscurity, or a figurative absence of hope. For example, "The darkness of the stormy night created a feeling of dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Cormac McCarthy's Outer Dark (Picador) explores a landscape of such darkness it takes your breath away.

The Guardian - Books

After darkness fell New York became the scene of the most vigorous protests.

The Guardian

It has returned an MP from the party at every election since 1964 – including Peter Mandelson, Labour's prince of darkness, who continues to insist he did not really mistake mushy peas for guacamole during one of his early reccies to the coastal town.

The Guardian

Down in the tunnel Cristiano Ronaldo looked out on to the pitch, half cast in darkness, and pulled a face.

The Guardian - Sport

He was subjected to "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation, a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

It takes them into Poland's forests – and its heart of darkness.

The Guardian - Film

But it is not the role of the media to sell a rebranded version of Africa, any more than it was right to paint it as the heart of darkness in the past.

The Guardian

It's magical, somehow uplifting and upsetting at the same time, like the confused love affair – "Is this darkness or the dawn?" – the song goes on to investigate.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Beneath this raised floor, the lower level of Double Bind is in semi-darkness, shot through with patches of light falling through the shafts.

The Guardian - Arts

However well-rehearsed, quick changes are frenzied interludes, conducted in the wings in near-darkness save for a gloomy desk lamp and a small mirror.

The Guardian

"We live in a world where it feels as though the darkness is falling ever more severely on whole swathes and regions and in which the light of the news often seems to go out," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical environments, consider the type of "darkness": is it complete, partial, or simply dim?

Common error

Avoid using "darkness" metaphorically in every sentence; balance figurative language with concrete descriptions to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "darkness" is as a noun. It commonly refers to the state of being dark, the absence of light, or a metaphorical state of evil or despair. As Ludwig AI also indicates, the word "darkness" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "darkness" is a versatile noun frequently used in both literal and figurative contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in English writing. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that "darkness" is commonly found in news and media sources. Its function ranges from describing the physical absence of light to evoking emotions like fear or despair. While its register is generally neutral, overuse of metaphorical "darkness" should be avoided for clarity. Related terms include "lack of light", "obscurity", and "gloom", offering writers a range of options to express nuanced shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of light

Focuses on the absence of illumination, a primary aspect of "darkness".

absence of light

Similar to "lack of light", but emphasizes the complete unavailability of light.

total blackness

Emphasizes the completeness of the "darkness", suggesting no light is present.

state of obscurity

Highlights the quality of being unknown or unclear, often associated with "darkness".

deep shadow

Describes an area heavily shaded, bordering on "darkness".

gloom

Refers to a state of partial or total "darkness", often with a negative emotional connotation.

dimness

Suggests a reduced level of light, a lesser degree of "darkness".

murkiness

Implies a dark, unclear, and often unpleasant atmosphere.

nightfall

Refers to the time when "darkness" descends at the end of the day.

twilight

Describes the period of fading light before complete "darkness".

FAQs

How can I use "darkness" in a sentence?

You can use "darkness" to describe a lack of light, for example, "The power outage plunged the city into complete darkness". It can also be used metaphorically, as in, "The darkness of his past haunted him".

What are some synonyms for "darkness"?

Synonyms for "darkness" include "lack of light", "obscurity", "gloom", and "shadow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "darkness" to describe a feeling or emotion?

Yes, "darkness" can be used metaphorically to describe negative feelings or emotions. For example, you might say someone is experiencing a "darkness" in their soul or that a "darkness" has fallen over their mood.

What is the difference between "darkness" and "shadow"?

"Darkness" generally refers to a complete or near-complete absence of light, while "shadow" refers to an area where light is blocked by an object. A shadow implies the presence of some light, whereas "darkness" suggests its absence. You can say "deep shadow" or "total blackness".