it became dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became dark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a transition from light to darkness, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the sun set behind the mountains, it became dark, and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Some days I'd give it too much smoke and it became dark.

The New York Times

He had a cellphone but no map, no compass and no plan for what happened if it became dark.

The New York Times - Travel

Writer went during the late afternoon on a December day, and stayed until the sun went down and it became dark.

The New Yorker

He finished his day in the affluent but bomb-scarred shopping district of Karada, where his guide for the day, Ramez Fa'eq, 23, said, "When it became dark, he got afraid and wanted to return home to the hotel".

The New York Times

The big break waiting for the rain to stop, as I say in my race report for the IHT, reminded me of 2009 when Button won a truncated race that turned to farce as the cars waited on the track for the rain to stop but waited so long it became dark as night and they had to abandon the race.

The New York Times

Boiling lasted 5 min until it became dark red in color.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Winding up the icy mountain roads, it became darker and darker until the city was just a thin film of light pollution on the horizon.

Vice

Prior to 4 p.m, when it became darker, the residents and guests were greeted by the procession of stilted angels, carolers and townspeople in ancient costumes, which led everyone to the main square -- to the tallest Christmas tree in the city.

Huffington Post

As the lights come on in Manhattan and it becomes dark enough to watch television, he touches a button on a remote control, and suddenly the wall across from the sofa becomes a television screen.

The New York Times

In an ideal world, by which I mean an un-ideal world without recessed lighting and iPads, the sun sets, it becomes dark, and, presto, your pineal gland starts to release the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin (and a few other hormones).

The New Yorker

They are joined by streams from other factories, flowing together before splitting again into smaller streams down the narrow lanes between the tenements, until these, too, eventually divide and divide once more, and it becomes dark, and the workers are home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it became dark" to describe the transition from light to darkness, whether literal or metaphorical. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from describing the end of the day to conveying a sense of foreboding.

Common error

While "darkened" can sometimes replace "became dark", be mindful of the nuance. "Darkened" often implies something actively made darker, whereas "became dark" simply describes a state change. For example, 'The room darkened when she closed the curtains' versus 'It became dark after sunset'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it became dark" is to describe a change of state. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples from reputable sources show that it serves as a descriptive phrase indicating the transition from light to darkness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became dark" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the transition from light to darkness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. Predominantly featured in news media and scientific publications, the phrase maintains a neutral register and serves the primary function of describing a change of state. When writing, remember that while similar phrases like "it turned dark" exist, "it became dark" often holds a slightly more formal tone. Therefore, "it became dark" is versatile and suitable for a wide range of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it turned dark

A more casual and straightforward alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

it grew dark

Implies a gradual increase in darkness over time.

it was getting dark

Suggests an ongoing process of darkening, rather than a completed state.

darkness fell

Emphasizes the suddenness and completeness of the onset of darkness, often used poetically or dramatically.

night descended

Similar to 'darkness fell' but with a more formal and literary tone, suggesting a gradual and inevitable transition.

the light faded

Focuses on the reduction of light rather than the arrival of darkness.

daylight waned

A more poetic way to describe the decrease of daylight.

twilight arrived

Refers specifically to the period of fading light at sunset.

the sun set

Describes the specific event that often causes darkness.

it blackened

Implies a more intense or sudden darkening.

FAQs

What's the difference between "it became dark" and "it turned dark"?

While both phrases are very similar, "it turned dark" is slightly more informal and conversational. "It became dark" may be perceived as more neutral and suitable for a broader range of contexts.

What can I say instead of "it became dark"?

You can use alternatives like "darkness fell", "night descended", or "it grew dark" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it correct to say "it was dark" instead of "it became dark"?

Yes, "it was dark" is grammatically correct, but it describes a state of being dark, rather than the transition to darkness. "It became dark" describes the process of transitioning into darkness.

How can I use "it became dark" in a sentence?

You can use "it became dark" to describe the end of daylight, for example, "It became dark, and the stars appeared". It can also describe a metaphorical shift, like "The situation became dark when the negotiations failed".