dismal night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dismal night" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a night that is gloomy, depressing, or unpleasant in some way. Example: "As I walked home through the rain, the dismal night seemed to reflect my own feelings of sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Almost midway into the first period Monday night, it looked like another dismal night for the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

This, however, was a dismal night for Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and particularly Kane.

The Guardian - Sport

A dismal night for Labour – extraordinary to lose more seats than Gordon Brown lost last time.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a dismal night for the Democrats, the Republicans have swept the Senate elections to take control of the chamber.

The Economist

But Kerry Kittles, the Nets' shooting guard, had a dismal night, hitting only 1 of 7 shots in 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

It compounds Labour's woes in a dismal night for Labour, which lost all but one of its Scottish MPs and will undoubtedly lead to Ed Miliband standing down.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

This was the dismal, night-time town of thrown fireworks, tear-gas clouds and surging riot shields, seen in pictures beamed around the world.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With dismal days and long, gloomy nights, what better than to buy into the dream of a holiday?

Independent

The game will be remembered for another dismal shooting night.

The New York Times - Sports

After a dismal first night, the ratings for CNN's "Parker Spitzer" climbed on the show's second day.

Huffington Post

The assignment turns into a two-month crawl through crime-ridden flophouses, toxic restaurants and dismal one-night stands.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dismal night" to vividly depict a night filled with disappointment, sadness, or misfortune, adding emotional depth to your narrative. It's particularly effective in setting a somber tone in storytelling or reporting on events with negative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "dismal night" too frequently or in contexts where the negativity is already heavily implied. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or cliché. Consider using more nuanced descriptors for variety and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dismal night" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "night" with the adjective "dismal". This creates a vivid image of a night characterized by gloom, sadness, or misfortune, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismal night" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase employed to describe a night filled with gloom, sadness, or misfortune. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, and sports reporting, where setting a somber tone is often necessary. While its usage is generally appropriate, overusing it can lead to overly dramatic or cliché writing. Consider alternatives such as "bleak evening" or "gloomy night" for variety. Ultimately, "dismal night" is a valuable tool for descriptive writing when used thoughtfully and sparingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bleak evening

Replaces "night" with "evening" and "dismal" with "bleak", maintaining a similar sense of gloom.

gloomy night

Replaces "dismal" with "gloomy", emphasizing the darkness and lack of cheer.

depressing night

Replaces "dismal" with "depressing", focusing on the emotional impact of the night.

dreary night

Replaces "dismal" with "dreary", highlighting the dull and uninteresting nature of the night.

unpleasant night

Replaces "dismal" with "unpleasant", offering a more general term for an undesirable experience.

miserable night

Replaces "dismal" with "miserable", emphasizing the feeling of unhappiness associated with the night.

forlorn night

Replaces "dismal" with "forlorn", suggesting a sense of abandonment and sadness.

grim evening

Replaces "night" with "evening" and "dismal" with "grim", conveying a sense of severity and hopelessness.

dark and cheerless night

Expands on "dismal" to explicitly state the absence of light and happiness.

unhappy night

A more straightforward replacement, focusing on the lack of happiness.

FAQs

How can I use "dismal night" in a sentence?

You can use "dismal night" to describe a night characterized by gloom, sadness, or misfortune. For example, "The rain poured down, making it a "dismal night" for the stranded travelers."

What can I say instead of "dismal night"?

Alternatives to "dismal night" include "bleak evening", "gloomy night", or "depressing night", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dismal night" in formal writing?

Yes, "dismal night" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in journalistic or literary contexts where vivid description is valued. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "dismal night" and "eerie night"?

"Dismal night" describes a night filled with sadness or gloom, while "eerie night" suggests a night that is unsettling or mysterious. The former evokes feelings of sadness, while the latter creates a sense of unease or suspense.