enveloped in darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

"enveloped in darkness" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
This phrase suggests an atmosphere of gloom and mystery. For example, "The street was enveloped in darkness as a light rain fell from the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But when night falls, the whole convoy stops completely; they turn out the lights and everything is enveloped in darkness.

The Guardian - Books

Those services are known as the Tenebrae, or "shadows"; in the old Catholic rite, candles were extinguished, one by one, until the church was enveloped in darkness.

The New Yorker

After midnight, the sprawling outskirts of Kabul are enveloped in darkness, but the Ahmad Shah Baba bus station lights up like a small town in the night.

The Guardian

Inspired by Beckett's thoughts on the use of chiaroscuro in the modern novel, how characters are often enveloped in darkness, we took our cue from the image of an island of light in a sea of black.

The Guardian - Music

Enveloped in darkness, the wind rising like sighs, Arab Ali at first registers as a somewhat buffoonish, borderline-dangerous character whose Hobbesian worldview (it's shoot or be shot) is a reminder that this is, after all, a search for a murdered man.

The New York Times

Stevenson is sitting as a boy on the stairs of his uncle's manse in Colinton, just outside Edinburgh, as his aunt comes hurrying down in her full skirts: "I heard a quick rustling behind; next moment I was enveloped in darkness; and the moment after, as the reef might see the wave rushing on past it towards the beach, I saw my aunt below rushing downwards".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But on January 7th, with just two days to go, another storm descended, and they were enveloped in the white darkness.

The New Yorker

Somewhere between the fluorescent lights of our increasingly alienating workplaces and the synthetic glare of the LED screens surrounding us, we have found ourselves enveloped in an ideological darkness that we cannot seem to banish.

Vice

A power failure nearby enveloped Boston Garden in darkness until emergency lighting kicked in along the hallways, ramps and stairs.

The New York Times - Sports

I can be enveloped safely in darkness.

Vice

Ms. Nakadate's nocturnes envelop us in darkness and tenderness and, as usual in her work, an unexpected intimacy opens up.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enveloped in darkness" to create a sense of mystery, suspense, or foreboding in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing settings or emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "enveloped in darkness" when describing situations that inherently contain light or positive elements. The phrase is most effective when contrasting with light or hope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enveloped in darkness" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, often used to depict a scene or atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as seen in the examples where it describes physical environments or emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enveloped in darkness" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe a setting or state that is completely surrounded by darkness. Its function is to create a specific mood, often one of mystery or foreboding. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. For impactful writing, consider using it to enhance the atmosphere in your scenes, especially when contrasting with light or hope. Common alternatives include "shrouded in darkness" and "immersed in shadow", providing varied shades of meaning to enrich your descriptive palette.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immersed in shadow

This alternative suggests being completely surrounded by shadow, emphasizing the depth of the darkness.

submerged in blackness

This conveys a sense of being completely covered or overwhelmed by darkness, often implying a loss of orientation.

cloaked in obscurity

This option highlights the lack of clarity or visibility, suggesting something is deliberately hidden or difficult to perceive.

veiled in darkness

Suggests that darkness acts as a veil, partially concealing something but not entirely hiding it.

drowned in the dark

This alternative suggests a complete and inescapable immersion in darkness, often with negative connotations.

blanketed by night

This focuses on the darkness associated with nighttime, portraying a sense of vastness and coverage.

consumed by shadow

Implies that darkness is actively overtaking and destroying any light that might exist.

shrouded in gloom

This alternative emphasizes the oppressive or depressing nature of the darkness.

lost in the night

This option focuses on the disorientation and vulnerability that can come with being surrounded by darkness.

hidden by shadows

A straightforward alternative that emphasizes the concealing effect of darkness.

FAQs

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

You can use "enveloped in darkness" to describe a physical space, such as "The forest was "enveloped in darkness" after sunset", or an emotional state, such as "She felt "enveloped in darkness" after receiving the bad news".

What are some synonyms for "enveloped in darkness"?

Some synonyms for "enveloped in darkness" include "shrouded in darkness", "immersed in shadow", or "cloaked in obscurity".

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

Yes, "engulfed in darkness" is a valid alternative to "enveloped in darkness". Both phrases suggest being completely surrounded by darkness, though "engulfed" might imply a more sudden or overwhelming experience.

What is the difference between "enveloped in darkness" and "covered in darkness"?

"Enveloped in darkness" suggests a more encompassing and immersive experience, while "covered in darkness" implies a surface-level concealment. The former evokes a stronger sense of being surrounded and affected by the darkness.