darkness gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkness gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ominous or foreboding situation, often in a metaphorical sense, indicating that trouble or danger is approaching. Example: "As the storm clouds rolled in, a sense of darkness gathering filled the air, warning us of the impending tempest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A darkness gathering at three in the afternoon.

The New Yorker

Looking back, it was a relatively innocent time for journalists at risk of abduction, but one could see the darkness gathering.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It can't be emphasized enough that the forces of darkness are gathering, so stay in the light.

The New Yorker

About the 120th lap, Nascar officials announced that the race would be cut to 175 laps because of darkness and gathering storm clouds.

The New York Times - Sports

His 1781 painting of the falls above Tivoli has the character of a hallucination, light and shadow passing like ghosts through the landscape, with the intimation of gathering darkness reflected in the still waters below.

The Guardian - Arts

But little Donny Trump kept walking into the gathering darkness.

The Washington Post

Floodlights on the hills glowed through the gathering darkness.

The New York Times

His charge sends them racing away into the gathering darkness, an enchanting sight.

Independent

He has a stern face and he simply nods before shooting off into the gathering darkness.

The New Yorker

The leaders then divided the volunteers into teams and sent them out into the gathering darkness.

The New York Times

I peered into the gathering darkness and asked if he was growing cabbage.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darkness gathering" to create a sense of foreboding or to describe a situation where negative forces are becoming more prominent. It's most effective in metaphorical or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "darkness gathering" solely to describe the end of the day. It's more powerful when used to convey a deeper, more ominous meaning beyond just the absence of light.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darkness gathering" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, often used to evoke a sense of impending doom or foreboding. It depicts a situation where negative forces are increasing. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used to depict tangible feelings about events in journalism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "darkness gathering" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression primarily used in news and media to create a sense of foreboding or impending doom. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more commonly found in literary and descriptive contexts. While alternatives such as "approaching darkness" and "gathering gloom" exist, "darkness gathering" offers a unique blend of descriptive power and metaphorical depth. It's essential to avoid overuse in literal contexts, instead harnessing its strength to convey deeper, more ominous meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathering gloom

Emphasizes the somber and depressing atmosphere that is building.

approaching darkness

Focuses more on the physical approach of darkness, rather than a metaphorical sense of impending doom.

descending darkness

Implies a downward movement or descent of darkness.

impending darkness

Highlights the certainty and nearness of the darkness.

encroaching darkness

Suggests that the darkness is gradually and stealthily taking over.

creeping darkness

Emphasizes the slow and subtle way the darkness is advancing.

rising darkness

Suggests that the darkness is increasing in intensity or power.

shadows lengthening

Focuses on the visual aspect of shadows growing as darkness approaches.

approaching nightfall

More literal, referring to the coming of night.

night drawing in

British English expression meaning night is approaching.

FAQs

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

You can use "darkness gathering" to describe an ominous atmosphere or the increase of negative forces. For example: "As the economic crisis deepened, a sense of darkness gathering filled the nation."

What are some alternatives to "darkness gathering"?

Alternatives include "approaching darkness", "gathering gloom", or "encroaching darkness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "darkness gathering" a formal or informal phrase?

"Darkness gathering" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though it's often found in literary or descriptive contexts. The register is neutral, but its effect can be dramatic.

What does it mean when someone says, "I sense a darkness gathering"?

This typically means they perceive an increasing sense of impending doom, trouble, or negative influence. It's a metaphorical expression indicating that something bad is likely to happen.