sky was dark

USAGE SUMMARY

'sky was dark' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this when you want to describe the sky or other elements of the environment. For example, "The sky was dark and cloudy, and thunder could be heard in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The sky was dark.

The New Yorker

The sky was dark with black birds.

The New York Times - Food

The sky was dark, and he had parked the car on a quiet street.

The New Yorker

The rain had stopped but the sky was dark and menacing.

The New Yorker

The sky was dark and had the ominous metallic smell of an impending storm.

The New York Times

When Zahir arrived at the bazaar, the sky was dark with pulverized matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It's noon in Murmansk, but the sky is dark.

The Guardian

The sky is dark in the day, and there are howls and screams at night.

The New Yorker

The sky is dark as midnight but clear and sprinkled with silvery stars.

The New York Times - Travel

The next morning, the sky is dark and filled with moisture.

The New York Times - Travel

Olbers' paradox, in cosmology, paradox relating to the problem of why the sky is dark at night.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sky was dark" to create a sense of foreboding or to set a melancholic mood in your writing. It is especially effective when contrasted with other elements in the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "sky was dark" simply as a filler description. Ensure it contributes to the overall atmosphere or plot, rather than being a generic observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sky was dark" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence. It provides information about the atmospheric conditions or the setting of a scene. Ludwig AI indicates this as a standard and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

10%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sky was dark" is a grammatically sound and commonly used descriptor, particularly in news and media contexts, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to set a specific mood or atmospheric condition, frequently conveying feelings of gloom or anticipation. Ludwig's analysis reveals its suitability for neutral to professional settings, emphasizing its versatility in writing. Remember to use this phrase purposefully to enhance the narrative or descriptive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the heavens were dark

Replaces "sky" with "heavens", maintaining a similar sense of a dark expanse above.

the sky appeared dark

Adds "appeared" to emphasize the perceived darkness of the sky.

darkness filled the sky

Shifts the focus to the darkness itself as the subject, rather than the sky.

the sky turned dark

Emphasizes a change in the sky's condition towards darkness.

the sky was black

Uses "black" instead of "dark" to intensify the description of the sky's color.

the atmosphere was dark

Substitutes "atmosphere" for "sky", broadening the scope of the darkness.

the day was dark

Focuses on the overall darkness of the day, implying a dark sky.

the night had fallen

Describes the onset of night, a time typically associated with a dark sky.

a pall hung over the sky

Uses metaphorical language to describe a dark and gloomy sky.

the sun had set

Describes the event that often leads to a dark sky.

FAQs

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

You can use "sky was dark" to describe the setting of a scene, for example, "The "sky was dark", and a chill wind blew through the empty streets."

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

Alternatives include "the heavens were dark", "darkness filled the sky", or "the sky appeared dark", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "sky was darkly"?

No, "sky was darkly" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""sky was dark"", where "dark" is an adjective describing the sky.

What's the difference between "sky was dark" and "sky became dark"?

"Sky was dark" describes a state of being, while "sky became dark" implies a change or transition over time.