it was very dim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was very dim" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a low level of light in a particular setting or situation. Example: "As we entered the old library, it was very dim, making it difficult to read the titles on the spines of the books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's very dim in there and they're very faded and very fine lines.

The Guardian - Arts

Avoid reading on a digital device unless it's very dim and your sleeping partner shows no evidence of being disturbed by it.

WikiHow

In fact I think I'm very dim.

The Guardian - Music

The light in the room was very dim.

The New Yorker

Mind you, the lighting in the Groucho Club was very dim and I was drunk from dawn till dusk, then back again by the scenic route.

Independent

The 4 August 2011 event (no. 1 in Table 2) was in a similar situation in that the corona in the nose part (around position angle 298°) was very dim, indicative of lower density and higher Alfven speed.

Earth, Planets and Space

In adults, pat-3 reporter expression was very dim and bleached rapidly, necessitating scoring whole animals.

Genetics

Otherwise, Egypt's prospects for the future will be very dim in the long term".

The Guardian

These secondary emissions typically are neglected in CLI and other radionuclide-based imaging technologies and typically would be very dim.

Cornell University

Lighting is very dim at banquettes along the sides of the room, and room is noisy when crowded.

The New York Times

Also, a lot of times the star you are given will be very dim, or even not visible to the unaided eye.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or environment, use "it was very dim" to convey a sense of mystery, age, or intimacy. This phrase is particularly effective when setting a mood or drawing attention to details that are difficult to see.

Common error

Avoid using "it was very dim" when describing situations where complete darkness is implied or expected. The phrase suggests some light is present, even if minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very dim" functions as a descriptive statement, providing information about the lighting conditions of a scene or setting. It follows standard grammatical rules, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was very dim" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English to describe a low level of light. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples from various sources. While versatile and suitable for multiple settings, being descriptive or narrative, it is important to consider the context when choosing between "it was very dim" and semantically related alternatives such as "the light was quite faint" or "the illumination was subdued". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the lighting was extremely low

Replaces "very dim" with "extremely low", emphasizing the minimal amount of light present.

the light was quite faint

Replaces "very dim" with "quite faint", indicating a slight reduction in intensity while retaining the core meaning.

the light was barely perceptible

Emphasizes that the light was so faint as to be almost unnoticeable.

the illumination was subdued

Substitutes "very dim" with "subdued", suggesting a deliberate reduction in light intensity.

the light emitted was weak

Highlights the weakness of the light emission, emphasizing the low intensity.

it was poorly lit

Focuses on the lack of adequate lighting rather than a specific degree of dimness.

visibility was greatly reduced

Shifts the focus from the light itself to the resulting reduction in visibility.

there was hardly any light

Highlights the scarcity of light, indicating near darkness.

it was shrouded in semi-darkness

Describes the situation using a figurative expression that suggests obscurity and partial darkness.

the ambient light was almost nonexistent

Stresses the almost complete absence of light in the surroundings.

FAQs

What does "it was very dim" mean?

The phrase "it was very dim" means that there was a low level of light in a particular place or situation, making it difficult to see clearly.

How can I use "it was very dim" in a sentence?

You can use "it was very dim" to describe the lighting conditions in a room, a landscape, or any setting where light is limited. For example, "As we entered the old library, "it was very dim", making it hard to read the titles on the book spines."

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

You can use alternatives like "the light was quite faint", "the illumination was subdued", or "it was poorly lit" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was very dim" formal or informal?

"It was very dim" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.