it went blank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went blank" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something, such as a screen or a person's mind, suddenly loses all content or clarity. Example: "During the presentation, my mind went blank, and I couldn't remember what I wanted to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

T-shirt, washed it again and it went blank".

The Guardian

At the end of the game it went blank, and then it flashed up: "Congratulations – Supermac 5 Cyprus 0".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"If there is something I left out," Olaya said, "it's because I went blank, forgot about it or didn't hear it".

The New York Times - Sports

No matter how well you do, you'll cross that screen until it goes blank.

The New York Times - Magazine

As you turn each enormous sheet, it goes blank, and a new set of images coalesce on the next page.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Jonet is hilarious in the role, her face shifting between a wheedling smile and a look of incipient terror, with pauses while it goes blank for erotic daydreams involving a shoe salesman or the new handyman (Abraham Ampka) she develops an alarming crush on.

The New York Times - Arts

As soon as it goes blank, hold down the center then play buttons until it goes into "Disk Mode.

WikiHow

I couldn't visualize the notes, and I went blank.

Forbes

I was expecting a PPH and then I went blank' (Std 18, reflective interview).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Asked if swimming has been more of an expression of his life or a refuge from it, his face went blank and he said, "I've never even thought about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Asked how they intended to sell it, however, they went blank.Toyota, Japan's biggest carmaker, exemplifies the cult of the engineer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it went blank" to describe sudden losses of memory, consciousness, or display content. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it went blank" in professional or academic writing where more precise language is required. Instead of saying "my mind went blank during the presentation", consider "I experienced a temporary memory lapse during the presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went blank" functions primarily as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a sudden loss of content, clarity, or function, whether referring to a mental state, a visual display, or another object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went blank" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood expression used to describe a sudden loss of content, clarity, or function. Ludwig AI shows that it is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and opt for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives like "it became unresponsive" or "it lost its content" can provide greater clarity in specific situations. By understanding its typical usage and potential substitutes, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became unresponsive

Focuses on the lack of response or reaction, often in a technical context.

it lost its content

Emphasizes the disappearance of information or data.

it blacked out

Suggests a sudden and complete loss of visibility or consciousness.

it became empty

Highlights the absence of anything previously present.

it ceased to function

Focuses on the cessation of operational capability.

it shut down

Implies a controlled or abrupt termination of activity.

it froze

Suggests a sudden stop in activity, often in a technical or emotional sense.

it crashed

Implies a sudden and often destructive failure.

it failed

General term for not succeeding or functioning properly.

it defaulted

Indicates a return to a standard or initial state, often due to an error.

FAQs

How can I use "it went blank" in a sentence?

You can use "it went blank" to describe a sudden loss of memory, consciousness, or a visual display. For example: "During the exam, my mind just "it went blank", and I couldn't remember the formula", or "The screen "it went blank" after the power surge".

What does "it went blank" mean?

"It went blank" typically means that something suddenly lost its content, clarity, or function. This can refer to a person's mind, a screen, or another object.

What are some alternatives to "it went blank"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it became unresponsive", "it lost its content", or "it blacked out".

Is it grammatically correct to say "it went blank"?

Yes, "it went blank" is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. However, in formal or professional writing, you might consider using more precise language.