it was very dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was very dark' is correct and grammatically usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a scene or setting in a story, for example: "As she opened the door to the secret room, she was suddenly struck by how dark it was. It was very dark, and she couldn't quite make out what was inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Preecha Boonvej, a 54-year-old rubber farmer who said he had heard the gunshots, said he could not identify the shooter because "it was very dark at the time".

The New York Times

I'm a poor speller writing in a newspaper famed for its typos so I'll presume it was very dark in Buck's Cross that night.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was very dark and very still.

The New York Times - Travel

It was very dark, with stars showing but no moon.

The New Yorker

When I came to, it was very dark and quiet.

The New York Times

"It was very dark and moldy smelling," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is very dark green, almost black, in colour, and its tendency to form dense tufts or cushions obscures the treelike appearance of the small individual plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's very dark.

The New York Times

It is very dark outside.

The New Yorker

And it's very dark.

The New Yorker

It is very dark.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was very dark", consider adding sensory details to enhance the reader's experience, such as sounds, smells, or textures associated with the darkness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it was very dark" without providing context or descriptive elements that convey the intensity or nature of the darkness. Replace "very" with a stronger adjective or add more details: "it was pitch black", or "it was so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of my face".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very dark" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It serves to depict the level of illumination, or rather, the lack thereof, in a particular setting or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

11%

Opinion

4%

Less common in

Sports

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very dark" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a dimly lit environment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in writing. It's most frequently found in news and travel contexts, serving to set scenes and convey information about the environment. While versatile, enhancing the description with sensory details or stronger adjectives can improve the writing. Alternatives like "it was pitch black" can add greater specificity. Using this phrase effectively involves considering context and adding descriptive elements to make the writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was pitch black

Emphasizes complete absence of light.

it was completely dark

Highlights the totality of the darkness.

it was shrouded in darkness

Suggests darkness enveloping something.

it was dimly lit

Indicates a low level of illumination.

the darkness was palpable

Conveys a sense of the darkness being almost tangible.

there was a lack of light

States the absence of light in a straightforward manner.

visibility was extremely poor

Focuses on the impact of darkness on sight.

it was a moonless night

Specifies the absence of moonlight as the cause of darkness.

the sun had completely set

Explains the reason of darkness, the sunset.

it was difficult to see

Highlights the result of the darkness.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it was pitch black", "it was completely dark", or "it was shrouded in darkness" depending on the context.

How to use "it was very dark" in a sentence?

You can use "it was very dark" to describe a setting, an environment, or a situation where there is a significant lack of light. For example: "It was very dark in the forest, and we struggled to find our way back to the campsite."

What's the difference between "it was very dark" and "it was quite dark"?

"It was very dark" implies a greater degree of darkness than "it was quite dark". "Very" suggests a significant lack of light, while "quite" indicates a moderate level of darkness.

Is "it was very dark" a formal or informal expression?

"It was very dark" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure can influence the overall formality of the writing.