looking dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, mood, or atmosphere that appears ominous or foreboding. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, the sky was looking dark, signaling an impending downpour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Keeping going even when things are looking dark.

Independent

White walls prevent the space from looking dark.

The New York Times

Yes, he is fully clothed, in the kind of flashy looking dark suit that made the nickname "the Dapper Don" stick.

The New York Times

" She trails off, looking dark.

Forbes

"It was looking dark but the goal from Fabio Borini came at the right time.

BBC

In video footage taken immediately after the eruption (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODiqlpUwcVM), the top 1 2 cm of the few tens-of-centimeters of ash that was deposited near the summit appeared wet and semisolid, looking dark in color.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

McCrimmon was fearsome looking — dark-haired and built like a piece of granite, with a round helmet that fit him like the cap on a rivet.

The New Yorker

The Look: Dark Shadows.

The New York Times

It looked dark.

The New York Times - Sports

Matters look dark just now.

The New York Times

It looked dark, stunted, necrotic, and sad.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking dark" to effectively describe situations, appearances, or moods that are ominous, gloomy, or threatening. It adds a layer of depth to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "looking dark" in contexts where a simple description of color or shade is needed. The phrase implies a negative connotation beyond mere visual appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking dark" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate an ominous, gloomy, or threatening appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, aligning with examples describing various scenarios and emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking dark" is a descriptive phrase used to convey a sense of gloom, foreboding, or threat. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. The phrase functions to evoke a specific mood or impression by describing the appearance or state of something, often with a negative connotation. While alternatives like "appearing gloomy" or "seeming ominous" exist, "looking dark" effectively captures the essence of something becoming or appearing ominous. It’s important to use it appropriately, avoiding contexts where a simple description of color is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing gloomy

Emphasizes a sullen or depressing appearance.

seeming ominous

Highlights a threatening or foreboding quality.

appearing somber

Focuses on a serious or grave appearance.

looking bleak

Suggests a discouraging or unfavorable outlook.

appearing dim

Indicates a lack of brightness or clarity.

looking shadowy

Highlights the presence of shadows and obscurity.

seeming dismal

Emphasizes a depressing or hopeless atmosphere.

looking murky

Suggests a cloudy or unclear appearance.

appearing obscure

Indicates a hidden or unclear quality.

seeming sinister

Highlights a malevolent or evil quality.

FAQs

How can I use "looking dark" in a sentence?

You can use "looking dark" to describe a physical appearance (e.g. "The sky was looking dark before the storm"), a mood (e.g. "She was looking dark after receiving the news"), or a situation (e.g. "The company's prospects were looking dark after the scandal").

What are some alternatives to "looking dark"?

Alternatives include "appearing gloomy", "seeming ominous", or "looking bleak", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "looking dark" instead of simply saying "dark"?

"Looking dark" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the process of something becoming dark or giving the impression of darkness, rather than stating a simple fact. For example: "The situation is looking dark" implies a worsening condition, while "the situation is dark" states a current state.

What's the difference between "looking dark" and "seeming dark"?

While both phrases are similar, "looking dark" often refers to a visual impression or immediate appearance, whereas "seeming dark" might imply a deeper, underlying negativity or foreboding quality. Both phrases are often interchangeable but their nuance can be slightly different.