sky grew dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sky grew dark' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the change in the appearance of the sky, particularly when the sky changes from being light to dark. For example: "The sky grew dark as the sun set behind the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

When the sky grew dark, they parted with burrs in their clothes and leaves in their hair.

The New Yorker

It seemed as if it might not happen, but eventually, the light started fading and the sky grew dark.

The New York Times - Travel

According to local news media reports cited by The A.P., the sky grew dark as a storm went through the festival grounds, bringing hailstones and heavy winds.

The New York Times

The sky grew dark as a right-on-time D.C. summer thunderstorm rolled in, delivering a 15-minute deluge that soaked the standers.

The Washington Post

Both sides refused to give in to the inevitable, and 10 more spot-kicks were converted as the sky grew dark.

The Guardian - Sport

He started to laugh and said, "Me, I'm just looking for the guy with two wives!" The sky grew dark, and a hush settled over the crowd.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The sky grows dark; the sun grows large, red, and dim.

The New Yorker

The men start to load the furniture; the sky grows dark.

The New Yorker

At sunset let the funicular railway ferry you up with your own bottle of Slovene wine, find a quiet corner of the castle wall and watch the sky grow dark and city lights flicker on below.

The Guardian - Travel

The excited crowd's chatter will rise as the sky grows dark, and my little boy will whisper how his favorite part is when the first firework breaks open, the colors zigzagging overhead like fireflies.

Huffington Post

He added that the apparent simultaneous presence of both the sun and moon, "alludes to mentions in several of the Gospels of the sky growing dark in daytime during Christ's crucifixion". Our next painting, from 1486, is "The Annunciation with Saint Emidius," by Carlo Crivelli, that resides at the National Gallery in London.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of the darkening sky; it can symbolize dread, mystery, or closure.

Common error

Avoid using "sky grew dark" as a literal time reference (e.g., "the sky grew dark at 6 PM"). Instead, use it to describe the process or feeling of the sky darkening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sky grew dark" functions as a descriptive element, primarily used to depict a change in the environment. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively portraying the transition of the sky towards darkness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sky grew dark" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to describe the darkening of the sky. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and serves to set a scene, create atmosphere, or foreshadow events. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best used to convey a process or feeling rather than a specific time. Alternatives like "sky darkened" or "night descended" can offer nuanced variations. When writing, remember the emotional impact this phrase can have, and consider using it to symbolize dread, mystery, or closure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sky darkened

Focuses on the darkening action, omitting the process of growth.

sky became dark

Uses "became" instead of "grew", emphasizing the change of state.

sky turned dark

Employs "turned" to indicate a transformation to darkness.

sky grew black

Replaces "dark" with "black", intensifying the darkness.

darkness fell

Indicates the arrival of darkness, personifying it.

night descended

Emphasizes the coming of night.

daylight faded

Indicates the decrease of daylight, leading to darkness.

twilight arrived

Focuses on the twilight period before complete darkness.

evening approached

Highlights the arrival of evening and the transition towards darkness.

storm clouds gathered

Focuses on the gathering of storm clouds, causing darkness.

FAQs

What does it mean when the sky grew dark?

When the "sky grew dark", it means that the sky changed from being light to a darker state, often indicating the approach of night, a storm, or a change in weather conditions.

What can I say instead of "sky grew dark"?

You can use alternatives like "sky darkened", "sky became dark", or "night descended" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "sky grew dark"?

Yes, "sky grew dark" is grammatically correct and a common way to describe the sky transitioning to darkness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

How can I use "sky grew dark" in a sentence?

You can use "sky grew dark" to describe a change in the weather, the approach of night, or to create a sense of foreboding. For example, "The hikers hurried back to the cabin as the "sky grew dark" and thunder rumbled in the distance".