devoid of light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of light" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means completely lacking in light or brightness. Example: The cave was devoid of light, making it difficult to see the stalactites and stalagmites.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Camelids produce functional antibodies devoid of light chains.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Hamers-Casterman, C. et al. Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains.

Nature

Camelids produce functional antibodies devoid of light chains and constant heavy-chain domain (CH1).

Molecular Immunology

These are homodimers, devoid of light chains and the first constant heavy chain domain.

Journal of Immunological Methods

These stars, blinking on for the first time in a universe that was previously devoid of light, emitted ultraviolet radiation that interacted with the surrounding hydrogen gas.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

FOR $1,000 a month, most New Yorkers expect to rent little more than a tiny cramped space devoid of light and charm.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But the physiology of the eye suggests there should be a 'blind spot' at that location, corresponding to the region of the retina occupied by the optic nerve which is devoid of light-sensitive cells.

SEP

However, Koenigsberger notes that Homer actually regards Star Wars as a "classic", implying that a "classic" work must have a musical composer that is deceased, and be devoid of light-shows or glitter balls.

Wikipedia

Though largely devoid of natural light, the basement overflows with vast rooms and high ceilings.

The New York Times

However, when looking at any photo of any man-made object (such as satellites, stations, Shuttle etc) taken in space by astronauts, although the foreground object is in sharp focus, the background is devoid of any light (Including pin pricks) at all.

Cornell University

There are 56 here and they easily overcome the first requirement of any Sackler show: distracting viewers from the depressing reality of a museum that is mostly underground, nearly devoid of natural light and plagued by a confusing missile-silo layout.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environments or conditions, use "devoid of light" to emphasize a complete absence of illumination, creating a strong visual effect for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of light" metaphorically for emotional states that are simply 'sad' or 'unhappy'. While technically correct, its stronger connotation is best reserved for literal or intensely bleak situations to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of light" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the complete absence of light. Examples from Ludwig show it describing physical environments and even storage conditions. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of light" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe the complete absence of illumination. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper use, and the examples highlight its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While primarily used literally to describe dark environments, it can also be employed metaphorically. When writing, using "devoid of light" can effectively convey a stark lack of illumination, enhancing the reader's understanding of the scene or condition. Be mindful of overusing it metaphorically in place of simpler descriptions of sadness or unhappiness to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking light

Focuses on the absence of light, highlighting a deficiency.

without light

A simple and direct way to express the absence of light.

unilluminated

Emphasizes the state of not being lit.

darkened

Suggests a reduction or removal of light.

sunless

Specifically refers to the absence of sunlight.

dimly lit

Implies a very low level of illumination, approaching darkness.

pitch-black

Describes complete darkness, offering a more vivid image.

in darkness

Focuses on being surrounded by the absence of light.

lightless

A more poetic or literary term for the absence of light.

obscured

Highlights the condition of light being blocked or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of light" in a sentence?

You can use "devoid of light" to describe a place or situation where there is no light, such as "The cave was completely devoid of light" or "The room was devoid of light, making it difficult to see."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of light"?

Alternatives to "devoid of light" include "lacking light", "without light", or "unilluminated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "absent of light" instead of "devoid of light"?

While "absent of light" is understandable, "devoid of light" is more common and grammatically standard. It's generally preferable to use "devoid of light" for clearer and more formal communication.

Can I use "devoid of light" to describe something other than a physical space?

Yes, while often used to describe physical spaces, "devoid of light" can also be used metaphorically to describe situations lacking hope or joy, although using it literally is much more common.