darkness taking over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "darkness taking over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where negativity, despair, or a sense of foreboding is becoming dominant or overwhelming. Example: "As the storm approached, a feeling of darkness taking over filled the air, leaving everyone anxious and uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Don't drive, if you feel drowsy, thanks to the natural feeling of the darkness taking over when you drive during the "daytime".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

as I said back then and still say now: "when you can't joke about the darkness, that's when the darkness takes over".

The Guardian - Music

Sissy Spacek, who played the original Carrie, was too angelic to be present at the genocide before her, and as the darkness took over her body, there appeared to be no one home.

Los Angeles Times

I saw Bernie Quinlan and Micky Conlan tearing along the quagmire back-line, magnificent together as the dwindling dark took over, as darkness always does in time of epiphany.

The Guardian - Sport

Can I simply state: When you cannot joke about the darkness of life, that's when the darkness takes over.

Huffington Post

Eventually, this darkness begins taking over the town.

Wikipedia

In the game, a "darkness" is taking over humans, animals and objects.

Wikipedia

These wise words from lawyer and Sikh activist Valarie Kaur help me to shift my perspective when I feel the grip of fear taking over, "What if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb--but the darkness of the womb?" When you're in the middle of a dark tunnel, the best choice you can make is to find the light and run toward it!

Huffington Post

"It's a dark moment for the state of Minnesota and it's a dark moment for our country, because I fear the forces of darkness will take over".

The New York Times

By the close of the book, the darkness has taken over, the comedy has given way to seriousness and Adrian has transformed himself, Thoreau-like, into a happy family man living off the land on the edge of town.

The Guardian - Books

Their potential for good can suddenly become an angel of darkness that takes over their minds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "darkness taking over" to describe situations where a literal or figurative darkness is gaining dominance, such as in narratives, descriptions of emotional states, or analyses of societal trends. For instance: "As the fog rolled in, a sense of "darkness taking over" settled upon the town."

Common error

Avoid using "darkness taking over" in contexts where a more literal or neutral phrase would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "darkness taking over" when describing the sunset, consider "night falling" or "dusk arriving."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "darkness taking over" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It usually acts as a subject complement or part of a larger verb phrase, describing a state or process where literal or figurative darkness is gaining dominance, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "darkness taking over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a state where negativity, despair, or a literal lack of light is becoming dominant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to evoke a sense of foreboding or negativity. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid misapplication in inappropriate contexts. Consider alternatives like "gloom enveloping" or "despair prevailing" to fine-tune the meaning. Its usage spans various authoritative sources, with The New York Times and The Guardian being prominent examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gloom enveloping

Focuses on the progressive covering by a dark or depressing feeling.

despair prevailing

Emphasizes the dominance of hopelessness and loss of confidence.

negativity dominating

Highlights the ascendance of negative feelings and attitudes.

evil gaining control

Suggests a moral or malevolent force is becoming ascendant.

shadows lengthening

Implies an increasing sense of threat or foreboding.

gloom descending

Describes a gradual decline into sadness and depression.

night encroaching

Focuses on the progressive covering by a dark or depressing feeling.

despair engulfing

Emphasizes the dominance of hopelessness and loss of confidence.

fear ascending

Highlights the ascendance of negative feelings and attitudes.

melancholy prevailing

Suggests a moral or malevolent force is becoming ascendant.

FAQs

How can I use "darkness taking over" in a sentence?

You can use "darkness taking over" to describe a situation where negativity, despair, or a sense of foreboding is becoming dominant. For instance: "As the shadows grew longer, a sense of "darkness taking over" filled the room."

What are some alternatives to "darkness taking over"?

You can use alternatives like "gloom enveloping", "despair prevailing", or "negativity dominating" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "darkness takes over" instead of "darkness taking over"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Darkness takes over" suggests a complete and decisive shift, while "darkness taking over" implies a process that is currently happening.

What is the difference between "darkness taking over" and "evil taking over"?

"Darkness taking over" refers to a more general sense of negativity, despair, or lack of light. "Evil taking over", on the other hand, specifically refers to the ascendance of malevolent or morally wrong forces.