days of darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "days of darkness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of hardship, despair, or negativity in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the sudden loss of her job, she felt as though she was entering days of darkness, unsure of what the future held."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In 2007 he wrote and directed the dark comedy L'Âge des ténèbres (Days of Darkness); he also acted in the film.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those were the days of darkness that followed the star and the heat.

The Guardian

Why should I think of that now in these days of darkness and indescribable carnage?

The Guardian - Opinion

After 25 days of darkness, workers and administrators at the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo lit up at the sight of visitors on their first day back Tuesday.

The Washington Post

The archbishop's statement ran: "Messages are alleged to have been received from this person in which great emphasis is placed on millennialism, warnings, signs, torments, days of darkness.

The Guardian

The mythology of the moon emphasizes especially those periods when it disappears the three days of darkness in the lunar cycle and eclipses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It was a day of darkness and woe," wrote Edwards.

The New York Times

But at the same time there are days full of darkness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Antarctic winter is a place for dreams and nightmares, offering particularly vivid images as your mind begins to stretch and your senses are blunted in the groundhog days of complete darkness.

The New York Times

-- JAMES TATE, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and author, most recently, of "The Ghost Soldiers Lines Writtenn in the Days of Growing Darkness Every year we have been witness to it: how the world descends into a rich mash, in order that it may resume.

The New York Times

Because of the Moon's tidal locking to Earth and its extremely slow rotation, it's bathed in sunlight constantly for 14 days at a time, followed by 14 days of total darkness.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "days of darkness" to evoke a sense of prolonged difficulty or negativity. This phrase is effective when describing periods of personal hardship, societal challenges, or historical events marked by despair and uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "days of darkness" as a generic substitute for more precise descriptions of negative experiences. Instead of simply stating "those were days of darkness", provide specific details about the challenges and emotions experienced during that time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "days of darkness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a period characterized by hardship, despair, or negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "days of darkness" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe periods of hardship or negativity. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, conveying a sense of prolonged difficulty or despair. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with intention, ensuring it adds depth and specificity to your writing, avoiding overuse as a generic term. Alternatives like "dark times" or "times of adversity" can provide similar nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dark times

A more concise and direct way to express the same idea.

times of adversity

Focuses on the challenging nature of the period.

periods of despair

Emphasizes the emotional state associated with the difficult times.

time of suffering

Directly addresses the experience of pain and distress.

eras of gloom

Highlights the somber atmosphere of the period.

seasons of hardship

Implies a recurring or cyclical nature to the difficult times.

trials and tribulations

Emphasizes the challenges and difficulties faced.

years of tribulation

Suggests a prolonged period of suffering or testing.

moments of bleakness

Emphasizes the lack of hope or optimism during the period.

age of obscurity

Focuses on the lack of clarity or understanding during the period.

FAQs

What does "days of darkness" mean?

The phrase "days of darkness" typically refers to a period of hardship, despair, or negativity. It can describe personal struggles, societal challenges, or historical events marked by difficulty and uncertainty.

How can I use "days of darkness" in a sentence?

You can use "days of darkness" to describe a challenging period in someone's life or in history. For example, "After losing his job, he entered "times of adversity", unsure of how to provide for his family."

What are some alternatives to "days of darkness"?

Alternatives to "days of darkness" include "dark times", "periods of despair", or "times of adversity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "days of darkness" a formal or informal expression?

"Days of darkness" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It's suitable for news articles, historical accounts, and personal narratives, making it a versatile phrase.