everything went black

USAGE SUMMARY

"everything went black" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden moment of intense darkness, usually accompanied by a sense of loss. For example, "When my power went out, everything went black."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"And then everything went black".

The New Yorker

Then everything went black.

The New Yorker

Everything went black.

The Guardian

We all shouted, "NO! NO!" After that, everything went black.

The Guardian

When he first read about himself, he said that everything went black.

The New Yorker

When a disbelieving Onoda was told to cease fighting, "everything went black".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

And everything goes black.

The New York Times - Arts

We have been brought up in the belief that at such times everything goes black.

The New Yorker

That seems a little too ambiguous for The Sopranos, and the man at the bar's sudden exit to the toilet – Michael Corleone style – shortly before everything goes black has us convinced: Tony's sleeping with the fishes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Chewie!" the young Han shouts, as the Wookiee's head comes within spitting distance of a rocky mountainside, moments before everything goes black.

TechCrunch

Everything goes black and then you get stung for a minute.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything went black" to vividly describe a sudden loss of consciousness, vision, or awareness in a narrative. It's effective for conveying a dramatic or shocking experience.

Common error

Avoid using "everything went black" when simply describing a dark room or a power outage, unless you're also implying a loss of consciousness or sensory perception. The phrase is most impactful when used metaphorically or to describe a physical or mental state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything went black" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or vision. As Ludwig examples show, this is often used in narratives to convey a dramatic moment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything went black" is a common idiomatic expression primarily used to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or vision. Ludwig analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase vividly conveys a dramatic moment or shocking experience. When using this phrase, be mindful of its metaphorical nature and avoid misinterpreting it as a mere description of darkness. The related phrases, such as "i blacked out" and "i lost consciousness", offer alternative ways to express a similar experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i blacked out

An idiomatic expression that directly implies a temporary loss of consciousness or memory.

i passed out

Similar to "blacked out", this phrase indicates a brief loss of consciousness.

i fainted

Implies a sudden loss of consciousness due to a physiological cause.

i became unconscious

A more formal way of saying "i lost consciousness", indicating a medical or serious situation.

i lost consciousness

Focuses specifically on the loss of consciousness rather than the visual aspect.

i blanked out

Describes a mental state where thoughts or memories are lost, similar to a loss of consciousness.

i collapsed

Focuses on the physical act of falling or losing physical stability, often related to a loss of consciousness.

my vision blurred

Highlights the visual aspect of fading vision without necessarily implying a complete loss of consciousness.

i lost my senses

A more general term for losing awareness, not specific to vision or consciousness.

i succumbed

Suggests yielding to a condition or force leading to loss of consciousness or awareness.

FAQs

What does "everything went black" mean?

The phrase "everything went black" typically means a sudden loss of consciousness or vision. It's often used to describe a brief period where someone loses awareness or their sight is temporarily obscured.

How can I use "everything went black" in a sentence?

You can use "everything went black" to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or sight. For example: "After the blow to the head, "everything went black"."

What can I say instead of "everything went black"?

You can use alternatives like "i blacked out", "i lost consciousness", or "i passed out" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "everything went black" a metaphor?

Yes, "everything went black" is often used metaphorically to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or awareness, similar to when your vision suddenly goes dark.