murky light

USAGE SUMMARY

"murky light" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe a particular kind of atmosphere or setting such as "The murky light of the full moon cast an eerie glow on the graveyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The group was also seeking equilibrium between clean and murky, light and dark.

The New York Times - Arts

For whatever reason, the London stage is suddenly awash in productions that shine a murky light on a society given over — to its cost — with winning.

The New York Times - Arts

Questioning the earthfrom which he came ("Son, you got mixed blood") — and that drew him back — he cleared a way forward into the murky light.

The New Yorker

They're draped across tables, asleep, stale and hung over, like sea creatures in the murky light (by the masterly Natasha Katz).

The New Yorker

His windows face south, and through the murky light of a damp late afternoon the towers of Wall Street were barely visible.

The New Yorker

Questioning the earthfrom which he came ("Son, you got mixed blood")—and that drew him back he cleared a way forward into the murky light.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

What a pity that murky lighting subdued the effect!

The New York Times

Here is treacly slowness, murky lighting, unwavering intensity.

The Guardian

Enacting unison shapes with almost militaristic precision, Youngsil Kim and Phil Orsano are virtually obscured by Matt Miller's murky lighting.

The New York Times - Arts

It's also about richly detailed costumes Marie-Chantale Vaillancourtt), atmospherically murky lighting (Luc Lafortune) and driving synthesizer music over shrieking, "Carmina Burana -style chants (René Dupéré).

The New York Times

Mr. Saarinen and his seven dancers disappeared into this language, leaving the audience to squint through Mikki Kunttu's thick, murky lighting design.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "murky light" to evoke a sense of mystery, unease, or concealment. It's particularly effective in settings like old buildings, underwater environments, or scenes with heavy fog.

Common error

Avoid using "murky light" excessively in your writing. Too much emphasis on darkness can make the writing monotonous and difficult to visualize. Use it sparingly for the most impactful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky light" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to denote a specific quality of light. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in English, often used to set a particular atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "murky light" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a sense of dimness and obscurity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in news and media, but also present in academic and business contexts, "murky light" serves to evoke a specific atmosphere, often one of mystery or unease. As with any descriptive phrase, it's best used judiciously to maximize its impact. While synonyms such as ""sombre light"" or ""shadowy light"" can provide variety, "murky light" remains a potent and readily understood descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sombre light

Replaces "murky" with "sombre", suggesting a serious or depressing atmosphere.

shadowy light

Uses "shadowy" instead of "murky", emphasizing the presence of shadows.

sinister light

Employs "sinister" to replace "murky", highlighting a sense of foreboding.

shady light

Substitutes "murky" with "shady", indicating a lack of direct light.

gloomy light

Replaces "murky" with "gloomy", conveying a feeling of depression or sadness.

dark light

Uses "dark" instead of "murky", simply referring to the low level of light.

vague light

Substitutes "murky" with "vague", emphasizing the indistinctness of the light.

bleak light

Replaces "murky" with "bleak", implying a cheerless or depressing quality.

uncertain light

Uses "uncertain" instead of "murky", suggesting a fluctuating or unreliable light.

dismal light

Substitutes "murky" with "dismal", highlighting the depressing or dreary quality.

FAQs

How can I use "murky light" in a sentence?

You can use "murky light" to describe settings or scenes, such as "The old mansion was shrouded in a "murky light", making it seem even more ominous" or "The divers descended into the "murky light" of the deep sea".

What are some synonyms for "murky light"?

Synonyms for "murky light" include "sombre light", "shadowy light", "gloomy light", or "dark light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "murky light" in formal writing?

Yes, "murky light" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when descriptive language is required. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. Ensure it aligns with the intended effect.

What feeling does the phrase "murky light" evoke?

The phrase "murky light" often evokes feelings of mystery, suspense, unease, or gloom. It suggests a lack of clarity and can contribute to a sense of foreboding or hidden dangers.