darkness falls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkness falls" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a poetic way of saying that evening or night is coming. Example: As the sun set behind the horizon, darkness fell upon the quiet town, signaling the end of another day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Soon enough, darkness falls.

The New York Times - Books

Until darkness falls.

The Guardian

Darkness falls before I've retied my boots.

The New York Times

As darkness falls it starts to rain.

The Guardian - Film

Behind and between his words, darkness falls over his nation.

Independent

The streets empty as soon as darkness falls.

The Economist

(Hyenas cackle, bearers exchange worried frowns, darkness falls).

The Guardian

But its secret becomes clear when darkness falls.

The Guardian - Travel

AS DARKNESS falls on May 14th, Britain's museums will fling open their doors.

The Economist

There is the heat of the Greek day, then the plunge in temperatures when darkness falls.

The Economist

Once darkness falls, soaring numbers of murders and kidnappings make many districts a no man's land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darkness falls" to create a sense of closure or transition in your writing. It's particularly effective in setting a mood or foreshadowing events.

Common error

Avoid using "darkness falls" in overly simplistic or literal contexts where a more straightforward description of night arriving would suffice. It can sound overly dramatic if not used judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darkness falls" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes a state change, specifically the transition from light to darkness. Ludwig's examples confirm its frequent use to depict the onset of night.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "darkness falls" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves as an evocative and descriptive way to express the arrival of night or a metaphorical descent into obscurity. While versatile, it is most prevalent in news and media contexts, often employed to set a scene or foreshadow events. When using "darkness falls", aim for contexts where its slightly elevated tone enhances the writing, avoiding overuse in simple or literal descriptions. Several alternatives, such as "night descends" or "evening comes", can offer similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's widespread application across reputable sources, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

night descends

Focuses on the act of night arriving, similar to "darkness falls".

nighttime arrives

Emphasizes the arrival of the night, a more literal interpretation.

evening comes

Highlights the beginning of the evening, a softer transition.

twilight appears

Focuses on the appearance of twilight, the period before full darkness.

shadows lengthen

Describes the visual effect of increasing darkness through shadows.

daylight fades

Emphasizes the disappearance of daylight.

night unfurls

Presents a more poetic and gradual depiction of night arriving.

darkness gathers

Suggests an accumulation of darkness.

sun sets

The action of sun setting is causing the darkness.

lights go out

Describes darkness caused by lights turning off, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

What does "darkness falls" mean?

The phrase "darkness falls" is a poetic way to describe the arrival of night or evening. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest a decline or downturn.

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

You can use "darkness falls" to describe the end of the day, the onset of night, or metaphorically to represent a period of decline or despair. For example: As the sun set, "darkness falls" over the forest.

What are some alternatives to "darkness falls"?

Alternatives include "night descends", "evening comes", or "nighttime arrives". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it correct to say "darkness is falling" instead of "darkness falls"?

Yes, "darkness is falling" is also grammatically correct and implies a gradual process, while "darkness falls" suggests a more immediate event. The choice between them depends on the nuance you want to convey.