it's getting dark

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's getting dark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe how night is coming on. For example, "As the sun set, it's getting dark outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A Senate-engineered blackmail plot imperils the Norman Rockwell-esque conviviality of his home life: He is now married and has a gooey-cute little daughter named Pidge, who, as the walls are closing in on her father, runs in from the patio to utter the film's pithiest line, "Hurry up, Daddy, it's getting dark".

The New York Times

When a child throws a fit because it's time to go home, acknowledge the child's feelings -- "I know you want to play here longer, but it's getting dark soon and we have to go home" -- then take the child by the hand or pick up the child and leave.

The New York Times - Health

It's getting dark.

The New Yorker

"It's getting dark," Kirsten said.

The New Yorker

Outside, it's getting dark.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

MOSCOW — It's getting dark in Russia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's getting darker, the trees are swaying, coconuts are falling, it's raining.

The New Yorker

"Did you notice how it's getting darker sooner?" Nicholas asked me one night driving home from hockey practice.

The Washington Post

It's getting darker at Cheltenham, although not quite twilight time yet.

BBC

And it's getting darker so they might run her over".

Los Angeles Times

It's getting darker earlier these days, which means you can leave your DIY lanterns out even longer!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's getting dark" to signal a transition in time, often implying a need to adjust activities or prepare for the night. It can also set a mood, hinting at the end of a day or the beginning of a potentially different phase.

Common error

Avoid using "it's getting dark" interchangeably with phrases like "it's dark" or "it's getting darker" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "It's getting dark" implies a process of change, while "it's dark" describes a state. "It's getting darker" simply emphatizes the continuous change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's getting dark" functions as a declarative statement indicating a change in the ambient lighting conditions. It describes the process of transitioning from daylight to darkness, often serving as an observation or a signal to take action. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it's used in various contexts to denote the approaching night.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Travel

2%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's getting dark" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the transition from daylight to darkness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for general use and readily understood. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase serves to inform and often prompts a response or change in activity. While versatile, it's important to distinguish its meaning from similar expressions like "it's dark". Consider the subtle differences to maximize clarity and accuracy in your writing. Remember, "it's getting dark" indicates a change in progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

night is falling

Emphasizes the progression into nighttime.

daylight is fading

Underscores the reduction of natural light.

darkness is descending

Emphasizes the encompassing nature of the darkness.

twilight is approaching

Highlights the transition period between day and night.

dusk is settling in

Focuses on the peaceful and gradual onset of darkness.

evening is coming

States the arrival of the evening period.

it's growing dim

Describes the decreasing level of illumination.

the sun is setting

Refers to the specific action of the sun going down.

the light is diminishing

Focuses on the decreasing intensity of light.

the shadows are lengthening

Highlights the visual effect of the approaching darkness.

FAQs

How can I use "it's getting dark" in a sentence?

You can use "it's getting dark" to describe the transition from daylight to night, for example: "We should head back home now, "it's getting dark".".

What's a more formal way to say "it's getting dark"?

While "it's getting dark" is suitable for most situations, you could use "daylight is diminishing" or "twilight is approaching" in more formal or literary contexts.

Is it correct to say "it's getting darkly" instead of "it's getting dark"?

No, "it's getting darkly" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""it's getting dark"", where "dark" is an adjective describing the state of light.

What's the difference between "it's getting dark" and "it's dark"?

"It's getting dark" describes a change or transition, while "it's dark" describes a current state of being. The first implies that the level of darkness is increasing, while the second simply states that it is currently dark.