jet black

USAGE SUMMARY

"jet black" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate an object is an extremely dark black color. For example: "The night sky was a jet black, void of stars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I loved jet black hair".

The New York Times

This other fellow's hair is jet black.

The New York Times

I say jet black, you say midnight.

The New York Times - Sports

She was dressed in the jet black of Parisian elegance.

The New York Times

The color was eggplant, tipped in jet black.

The New Yorker

Jet black, not midnight black, not shoeshine black.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

There are 3 to 5 projecting, jet-black fruits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A curtain of jet-black bangs fell across her knuckles.

The New York Times

His jet-black hair has gone almost completely white.

The New Yorker

As he grew older he wore a jet-black toupee.

The New York Times

Her jet-black hair cascaded far down her back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jet black" to describe something that is intensely and uniformly black, often with a slight sheen or gloss. For instance, you might describe hair, clothing, or a polished surface as "jet black".

Common error

Avoid using "jet black" in overly metaphorical or abstract contexts where the intensity of the color isn't directly relevant. Overusing it in such cases can weaken your description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jet black" is as a compound adjective modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the color of an object, emphasizing its intense blackness. Examples include "jet black hair" or "jet black car".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jet black" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, denoting an exceptionally dark and intense shade of black. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media and wiki sources. When looking for alternatives, consider "pitch black", "ebony", or "coal black" to add subtle nuances to your writing. Remember to employ "jet black" when you want to emphasize the depth and intensity of the color black, creating a vivid image for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pitch black

Emphasizes the darkness to the point of being absolute or impenetrable.

deep black

A more general way of expressing an intense shade of black.

intense black

Highlights the intensity and depth of the black color.

ebony

Refers to a specific type of dark, dense wood and implies a rich, deep black.

coal black

Compares the color to that of coal, highlighting a duller, less reflective black.

inky black

Suggests a black as dark and fluid as ink.

raven black

Compares the color to a raven's feathers, implying a glossy, intense black.

midnight black

Relates the color to the darkness of midnight, a very deep and absolute black.

obsidian

References the volcanic glass obsidian, known for its smooth, glassy black.

sable

Alludes to the dark fur of a sable, implying a soft, deep black.

FAQs

How can I use "jet black" in a sentence?

"Jet black" is typically used as an adjective before a noun to describe something with a very dark black color. For example: "She had "jet black hair"", "The car was painted "jet black"".

What can I say instead of "jet black"?

You can use alternatives like "pitch black", "ebony", or "coal black" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "jet black" a formal or informal term?

"Jet black" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "jet black" and "black"?

"Jet black" implies a deeper, more intense black color, often with a hint of gloss or shine. "Black" is a general term for the color, while "jet black" suggests a specific, more striking shade.