engulfed in darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engulfed in darkness" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something (or someone) is surrounded by darkness, or a lack of light. For example, "The small room was suddenly engulfed in darkness, making it difficult to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Kendall was enclosed in a dark space high above a city rising from a coast engulfed in darkness.

The New Yorker

The Eiffel Tower was engulfed in darkness on Friday night.

The Washington Post

For a few minutes, the center was engulfed in darkness.

The New Yorker

By 9 35 p.m., the city was engulfed in darkness.

The New York Times

First, you'll be engulfed in darkness.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The figures are engulfed in the darkness of deep shadow, which ends, all of a sudden, at a row of fence posts or pollarded trees.

Independent

In The Cave (1920) he depicted two seminude women almost engulfed in bluish darkness; only their exposed skin glows white in an otherwise dark and mysterious image.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the landscape got increasingly dramatic, books and computers throughout our train car were put aside, conversations hushed, and the narrow hallway filled with people leaning against the windows to absorb the scenery until we were engulfed in the darkness of the 10-mile-long Severomuyskiy Tunnel.

The New York Times - Travel

I watched as he was engulfed in the darkness of the hallway.

Huffington Post

Almost immediately, questions arise from those gathered in the small yard, engulfed in the darkness brought on by Kathmandu's rampant blackouts.

Huffington Post

At times Arthur looks so small engulfed in all that darkness, and so helpless, much like one of the children who haunt the story without investing it with much feeling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "engulfed in darkness" to create a strong sense of mystery, fear, or isolation in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing scenes where the absence of light plays a significant role in the mood or plot.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfed in darkness" in purely descriptive contexts where a simpler phrase like "in the dark" would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact, especially when the situation doesn't warrant such dramatic language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed in darkness" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of being surrounded or overwhelmed by a lack of light. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, demonstrating its established use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "engulfed in darkness" is a grammatically correct and evocative prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being completely surrounded by darkness. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts to create a sense of mystery, fear, or isolation. According to Ludwig AI the expression is correct and this is backed up by the trustworthy sources used by Ludwig, it's advisable to use this expression in contexts that warrant its strong and dramatic tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrouded in darkness

Emphasizes concealment and mystery, a sense of being hidden by the darkness.

consumed by darkness

Highlights the destructive or overpowering nature of the darkness.

immersed in darkness

Suggests a deeper, more complete submersion in the darkness.

drowned in darkness

Implies being overwhelmed and unable to escape the darkness.

blanketed by darkness

Suggests a covering or layer of darkness.

cloaked in darkness

Similar to shrouded, but emphasizes an intentional covering.

steeped in darkness

Indicates a prolonged or thorough saturation in darkness.

surrounded by darkness

A more literal and less evocative way to describe being enclosed by darkness.

lost in darkness

Highlights a sense of disorientation and being unable to find one's way.

plunged into darkness

Suggests a sudden and forceful descent into darkness.

FAQs

How can I use "engulfed in darkness" in a sentence?

You can use "engulfed in darkness" to describe something being completely surrounded by a lack of light. For example, "The city was suddenly "plunged into darkness" after the power outage", or "The forest path was "shrouded in darkness", making it difficult to see".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "engulfed in darkness"?

Similar phrases include "immersed in darkness", "shrouded in darkness", "consumed by darkness", or simply "in the dark" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "engulfed by darkness" instead of "engulfed in darkness"?

While both are grammatically correct, "engulfed in darkness" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Engulfed by darkness" is less frequently used but still understandable.

What feeling or effect does "engulfed in darkness" convey?

The phrase typically creates a sense of mystery, fear, isolation, or overwhelming presence. It's a strong, evocative phrase often used in descriptive writing to emphasize the power and impact of darkness.