darkness descends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkness descends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where darkness, either literal or metaphorical, is beginning to take over or become more prominent. Example: "As the sun set behind the mountains, darkness descends upon the valley, enveloping everything in shadow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Darkness descends and everything is a mystery to us.

The New Yorker

And this far north, darkness descends by late afternoon.

The New York Times - Travel

Night shakes her skirtsaday's flickering light is done, Darkness descends ; great Derelict, adieu 1 R.S.R.S.

Cornell University

But darkness descends almost at once when another youth is caught trying to steal metal.

The Economist

Darkness descends quickly upon the Manus Island detention centre, and it is very nearly absolute.

The Guardian

"As darkness descends, we've got no option but to continue on foot," says Nick, ominously.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Darkness descended.

The New York Times

Christobel Kent's A Darkness Descending is published by Atlantic.

The Guardian - Books

Christobel Kent's latest book is A Darkness Descending.

The Guardian - Books

With darkness descending, the team captains, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus, decided to end the match in a draw.

The New York Times

After the Voyagers left, winter and darkness descended on Saturn's North.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darkness descends" to create a sense of foreboding or transition, whether literally or metaphorically. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to set a mood.

Common error

Avoid using "darkness descends" when a simpler phrase like "night falls" or "it got dark" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darkness descends" functions primarily as a descriptive and often evocative expression. It paints a vivid picture of the arrival of darkness, whether literal (the coming of night) or metaphorical (a downturn or period of gloom). Ludwig AI confirms its usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "darkness descends" is a versatile expression used to depict the onset of darkness, both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. The linguistic analysis reveals its function as a descriptive and evocative expression that can create a sense of atmosphere and transition. While alternatives like "night falls" or "shadows gather" exist, "darkness descends" offers a slightly more dramatic and literary tone. When using the phrase, consider its potential to add depth and emotional weight to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

darkness settles

Indicates darkness gradually covering an area.

night falls

Focuses specifically on the transition from day to night.

night arrives

Similar to 'night falls', it emphasizes the coming of night.

evening comes

Emphasizes the transition from late afternoon to night.

daylight fades

Focuses on the loss of light as night approaches.

twilight appears

Highlights the dim light just before night.

night envelops

Implies darkness completely surrounding something.

shadows lengthen

Focuses on the visual effect of increasing darkness.

the sun sets

Highlights the astronomical event that leads to darkness.

gloom spreads

Suggests a pervasive darkness, often metaphorically.

FAQs

What does "darkness descends" mean?

The phrase "darkness descends" means that darkness is arriving or becoming more prominent. It can refer to literal darkness, like the coming of night, or metaphorical darkness, like a period of sadness or despair.

What can I say instead of "darkness descends"?

You can use alternatives like "night falls", "shadows gather", or "night arrives" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "darkness descends" in formal writing?

Yes, "darkness descends" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when aiming to create a particular mood or emphasize a significant transition. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

How can I use "darkness descends" in a sentence?

You can use "darkness descends" to describe a literal scene (e.g., "As the sun set, darkness descends upon the forest") or a metaphorical situation (e.g., "After the company's failure, darkness descends upon the employees' morale").