on a bleak morning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a bleak morning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a morning that is dark, dreary, or lacking in brightness, often evoking a sense of sadness or foreboding. Example: "On a bleak morning, the streets were empty, and the sky was a dull gray."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He answers quickly on a bleak morning in Ealing, at Wasps' rundown training ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On a bleak afternoon in 2015 Adrian Stewart was sitting in his cell contemplating the wreckage of his life.

The Times

Marooned up here on a bleak night, close by the fire, with a folk memory of wolves and a firm belief in evil spirits, who wouldn't need protection?

The Guardian

On a bleak afternoon in January the temperature was six degrees below zero, and a mop-grey sky swept so low it seemed to wash the colour from the streets.

The Guardian

On a bleak afternoon in late fall, I found Basilica Hudson shimmering like a hipster cathedral.

HuffPost

IT was a bleak afternoon on the outskirts of Manhattan's garment district.

The New York Times

West Brom and Peter Odemwingie enjoyed themselves, but it was a bleak afternoon for Mick McCarthy and his Wolves side.

BBC

By that time, though, the Mets trailed, 5-1, a deficit that quickly became 7-1, when Maine's replacement, Carlos Muniz, hit Glaus in beginning the fifth, then gave up a homer to Chris Duncan that left Manuel straining to find a positive on a truly bleak night.

The New York Times - Sports

To make an upbeat speech about the British economy on a bleak January morning in the midst of a painful and deepening financial crisis might seem a task reserved to the recklessly optimistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Journey to Nowhere by Eva Figes 184pp, Granta, £14.99 On a bleak March morning in 1939, the parents of six-year-old Eva Unger closed the front door of their spacious apartment in the Tauentzienstrasse in Berlin for the last time.

The Guardian - Books

Soon after the first 20 recruits arrived at Ft. Jackson on a bleak winter morning 18 months ago, disputes erupted with their military handlers.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a bleak morning" to set a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing. It is effective for starting a story or scene with a sense of foreboding or sadness.

Common error

Avoid using "on a bleak morning" too frequently within the same piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions of weather and atmosphere to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a bleak morning" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time or circumstance of an action. It sets the scene and provides context for the events that follow, creating a particular mood or atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a bleak morning" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase to set a specific time and somber tone. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it’s an effective way to establish a mood, overuse should be avoided to prevent repetitiveness. Alternatives such as "on a dismal morning" or "on a gloomy morning" can provide variety. The phrase is suitable for formal writing but should align with the overall tone of the piece. Expert analysis rates its overall quality highly due to grammatical correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a dismal morning

Replaces "bleak" with "dismal", emphasizing a lack of cheerfulness.

on a gloomy morning

Substitutes "bleak" with "gloomy", highlighting darkness and somberness.

on a dreary morning

Uses "dreary" instead of "bleak", focusing on the dull and monotonous quality of the morning.

on a somber morning

Replaces "bleak" with "somber", suggesting a serious or grave atmosphere.

on a cheerless morning

Emphasizes the absence of joy or happiness.

on a depressing morning

Highlights the sadness and low spirits associated with the morning.

on a gray morning

Focuses on the visual aspect of a dull, overcast sky.

on a dark morning

Emphasizes the lack of light.

on an overcast morning

Specifically describes the sky condition, implying gloom.

on a miserable morning

Expresses a feeling of great unhappiness or discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "on a bleak morning" in a sentence?

You can use "on a bleak morning" to describe a time when the weather contributes to a somber mood. For example, "On a bleak morning, the city seemed deserted."

What are some alternatives to "on a bleak morning"?

You can use alternatives like "on a dismal morning", "on a gloomy morning", or "on a dreary morning" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "on a bleak morning" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a bleak morning" is suitable for formal writing, especially when setting a descriptive scene. However, consider the tone of your overall piece to ensure it aligns.

Can "on a bleak morning" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "on a bleak morning" can be used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a difficult or unfortunate situation, even if it doesn't involve actual weather. For example, "On a bleak morning, the company announced layoffs."