it was really dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really dark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or environment where there is little to no light, often to convey a sense of mood or atmosphere. Example: "As we ventured deeper into the forest, it was really dark, making it difficult to see the path ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

When talking about the episode, Roe said: "it was really dark so we had this huge contrast of lighting.

Wikipedia

"When we went in, it was really dark," he said.

Independent

It was engulfed in trees so it was really dark.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Chan said it was "really dark" on the island after sunset.

The New York Times

By the time it was really dark she had given up.

The New Yorker

"Looking at the time and place this crime happened – it was really dark, late night, early morning.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It's really dark.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's really dark and gripping.

The New York Times

"It's really dark in there".

The New York Times - Arts

As Mr. Raab told Mr. Pekearo: "It's really dark.

The New York Times

It's really dark, at the end of the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really dark" to set a scene or create a specific mood in your writing. It's effective for conveying suspense, mystery, or a sense of isolation. However, consider the context and whether more descriptive language might be more impactful.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it was really dark" for descriptions of darkness. Vary your language and use sensory details (sounds, smells, tactile sensations) to create a richer, more immersive experience for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really dark" functions as a descriptive statement. It communicates the condition of a subject ("it") being characterized by a significant absence of light. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was really dark" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a lack of light. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and widespread use. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki content, to describe scenes, set moods, or convey information about lighting conditions. To enhance your writing, avoid overusing the phrase and consider using more descriptive language to convey different aspects of darkness. Semantically similar phrases include "it was extremely dark" and "it was pitch black". Understanding these nuances can improve the quality and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extremely dark

Emphasizes the intensity of the darkness.

it was pitch black

Uses a common idiom to describe complete darkness.

it was quite dark

Uses "quite" to soften the intensity of the darkness.

it was very dim

Suggests a low level of light, rather than complete darkness.

it was poorly lit

Focuses on the inadequate lighting of a place.

it was shrouded in darkness

Uses a more figurative, evocative description.

there was hardly any light

Expresses the scarcity of light available.

visibility was low

Focuses on the impact of darkness on sight.

it was murky

Suggests a darkness combined with a lack of clarity or visibility.

it was almost night

Indicates approaching darkness rather than complete darkness.

FAQs

What does "it was really dark" mean?

The phrase "it was really dark" describes a situation or environment with very little to no light. It can be used literally to describe a physical space or figuratively to describe a mood or atmosphere.

What can I say instead of "it was really dark"?

You can use alternatives like "it was extremely dark", "it was pitch black", or "it was very dim" depending on the specific level and quality of darkness you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was really dark"?

Yes, "it was really dark" is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard English sentence construction, with "it" as the subject, "was" as the verb, and "really dark" as the descriptive adjective phrase.

How can I use "it was really dark" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really dark" to describe a physical location (e.g., "As we ventured deeper into the forest, it was really dark"), a time of day (e.g., "By the time we finished, it was really dark"), or even a metaphorical situation (e.g., "After the accident, it was really dark for him").