everything went dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything went dark" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation of sudden darkness, either literal (e.g., when the lights turned off) or figurative (e.g., when they left the safety of home and entered a dark alley). Example sentence: When the power went out in the middle of the storm, everything went dark and they couldn't see a thing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Then everything went dark.

The New York Times

And then everything went dark.

The New Yorker

"Everything went dark and I passed out".

The Guardian

Everything went dark and there was smoke.

The New York Times

There were rolling brownouts when everything went dark and still.

The New Yorker

Everything went dark, it was black and there was screaming.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

We're 25m underground and it's exactly 5pm when everything goes dark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After that, which made everything go dark for about a minute, the actual laser was not that bad.

The New York Times - Science

In one picture, suddenly I see my father on my left side and when I look at him, I just tell him something and then I just close my eyes and everything goes dark.

The Guardian

Everything goes dark.

Vice

"When I sleep, everything goes dark," he writes.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything went dark" to vividly describe a sudden loss of sight, consciousness, or electrical power. The phrase is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "everything went dark" only in literal situations. The phrase is often more effective in describing a sudden emotional or mental shutdown. For example: "After hearing the news, everything went dark for her."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything went dark" functions as a descriptive statement. It typically describes a sudden loss of vision, consciousness, or a blackout. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everything went dark" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict a sudden loss of sight, consciousness, or power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it effectively communicates a dramatic shift into darkness, both literally and figuratively. While alternatives like "everything became black" or "I blacked out" exist, "everything went dark" provides a versatile and widely understood means of conveying this experience. Remember to use it not only in literal situations, and consider that the figurative ones could have more expressiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything became black

Replaces "dark" with "black", emphasizing the visual aspect of darkness or loss of consciousness.

everything faded to black

Suggests a gradual transition into darkness, rather than an immediate event.

i blacked out

Focuses on the loss of consciousness from the speaker's perspective.

i lost consciousness

A more clinical way to describe losing consciousness.

everything shut down

Suggests a sudden stop to activity or function, applicable in both literal and figurative senses.

the lights went out

Specifically refers to a loss of electrical power or illumination.

darkness descended

A more dramatic and figurative way to describe the onset of darkness.

everything was plunged into darkness

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the darkness.

vision failed

Focuses specifically on the loss of sight.

i passed out

An informal way to say someone lost consciousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "everything went dark" to describe a sudden loss of vision, consciousness, or power. For example: "After the blow to the head, "everything went dark"." or "When the power grid failed, "everything went dark" throughout the city."

What are some alternatives to saying "everything went dark"?

Some alternatives include "everything became black", "I blacked out", or "the lights went out", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "everything goes dark" instead of "everything went dark"?

While "everything went dark" describes a past event, "everything goes dark" can describe a habitual action or a future possibility. For example: "When I close my eyes, everything goes dark." or "If the storm hits, everything goes dark."

Can "everything went dark" be used figuratively?

Yes, "everything went dark" is often used figuratively to describe a sudden loss of hope, understanding, or emotional awareness. For example: "After receiving the bad news, "everything went dark" and she couldn't think straight."