ebony black

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ebony black" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very dark shade of black, often associated with the color of ebony wood. Example: "The artist chose an ebony black paint to create a striking contrast in her artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The child is ebony black.

Independent

Their ebony black or dove grey bodies were in contact throughout.

The Guardian - Books

Yet they seemed to be true shapeshifters; they even seemed to change colour: ebony black one moment, dove grey the next, or even the colour of cocoa.

The Guardian - Opinion

But pretty much all the paintings in this room dazzle by their palette alone: deep reds and yellows; astonishing turquoise-lavender blues; lollipop orange; ebony black; and two paintings of zinnias and others that include zinnias.

The New York Times - Travel

Based on Kerry Greenwood's popular novels, the show tells of heiress-turned-detective Phryne Fisher, who tackles the villains of 1920s Melbourne without ruffling her ebony black bob or losing an art deco earring.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On this day the jewels were a water beetle's belly and the striated wing case of a ground beetle (both ebony black), plus iridescent leaf beetle fragments and tiny glossy brown seeds.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is classic Coen, from its ebony-black humour, to its perfectly turned details.

The Economist

Strange ebony-black effigies of the king, gilded couches, exquisitely painted caskets, flowers, shrines, chests, chairs and chariots glinting with gold gave the appearance of "the property room of an opera of a vanished civilisation".

The Guardian

Jeremy Seal, the author of a book on the Nicholas tradition, points out that in Bari, where he is loved more than anywhere, the holy man was often portrayed with ebony-black features, perhaps reflecting the fact that his bones were brought to the port from the eastern end of the Mediterranean.

The Economist

Les Poidevin described Marsh as "a well set-up, perfectly built... man, with an ebony-black, smooth, clear shining skin and twinkling black eyes" who "is quite good looking".

Wikipedia

Located in the former premises of Doug Arango (which then became Melrose Bar & Grill before closing), they had nicely redecorated it, from the Regency striped awning to the ebony-black door, with booths of "Cadillac/Tiffany blue," according to decorator/architect J. Scott Charles, who helped in the process, finding a genuine mahogany bar for the front.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ebony black" to add a touch of elegance or sophistication when describing something that is very dark black. For instance, describing a dress as "ebony black" evokes a sense of refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "ebony black" when a simpler term like "black" suffices. Overusing descriptive adjectives can make your writing sound pretentious or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ebony black" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to specify its color. Ludwig AI indicates its proper use in written English, particularly to describe a dark shade of black. Examples show its use in describing physical attributes, objects, and even abstract concepts to convey a sense of depth and richness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ebony black" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe a very dark shade of black. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in contexts where a touch of elegance or sophistication is desired. While alternatives like "jet black" or "coal black" exist, "ebony black" adds a unique nuance. Remember to use it judiciously to enhance your writing without sounding pretentious. Predominantly found in News & Media, it offers a descriptive depth suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jet black

Refers to a very dark, glossy black, similar to the color of jet.

coal black

Describes a black as dark as coal.

pitch black

Indicates an extremely dark black, like pitch.

midnight black

A black as dark as midnight.

inky black

Suggests a black that resembles the color of ink.

raven black

Compares the color to the black feathers of a raven.

sable black

A dark black color reminiscent of sable fur.

deep black

A black color that is rich and intense.

darkest black

The most intense shade of black possible.

ebon

A shortened form of ebony, implying the same dark color.

FAQs

How can I use "ebony black" in a sentence?

You can use "ebony black" to describe a very dark shade of black, especially when you want to evoke a sense of richness or depth. For example: "The car was painted an "ebony black", making it look sleek and sophisticated."

What's the difference between "ebony black" and "jet black"?

"Ebony black" suggests a deep, rich black, reminiscent of ebony wood, while "jet black" refers to a glossy, intense black, like the gemstone jet. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are there any synonyms for "ebony black"?

Yes, alternatives include "coal black", "pitch black", or "midnight black". These can be used depending on the context and the specific shade of black you want to describe.

Is it appropriate to use "ebony black" in formal writing?

Yes, "ebony black" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when descriptive language is desired. However, ensure that its use enhances the writing rather than sounding overly ornate. Simpler terms like "black" or "deep black" are also acceptable.