take a dark turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a dark turn" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used to foreshadow a bad event or describe a situation that is quickly deteriorating or becoming more negative or sinister. For example, "The once peaceful rally took a dark turn when the protesters began to throw rocks and bottles at the police officers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Lyrically, the songs take a dark turn.

The New York Times - Arts

On the docks, the tensions among the competing groups of fishermen can take a dark turn.

The New York Times

Things take a dark turn and you learn more about the roommate's family and their secrets.

The Guardian

In "Replace All" things take a dark turn, and the section ends with the layoff survivors sinking into despair.

The New York Times - Books

Sometimes those games and interactions take a dark turn, as when Iskra tells her horrified father that when she grows up she wants to be a sniper.

The Guardian - Tech

The film is about a wealthy Manhattan couple, the Cairns, whose lives take a dark turn when they bring home a new sibling for their odd — and oddly cold — piano prodigy of a son, Joshua.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Down in the basement of the Cartier, things take a darker turn.

The Guardian - Arts

Not long after Hockney painted the couple, they split up and Clark's life would take a darker turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if one of them said, "I don't watch it because I think Chávez is a clown and a tyrant," the show might take a darker turn.

The New York Times - Magazine

So why did the campaign take a darker turn?

TechCrunch

If you happen to be a neo-Nazi, things take a darker turn: it's an occasion to celebrate Adolf Hitler's birthday.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a dark turn" to create suspense or foreshadow negative events in your writing. It's effective when describing shifts in plot, relationships, or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "take a dark turn" in contexts that are meant to be lighthearted or humorous, as it can create an unintentionally serious or jarring tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a dark turn" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a sudden and negative change in a situation, plot, or relationship. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a dark turn" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation or narrative that suddenly becomes negative or sinister. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary function is to signal a worsening of circumstances, often creating suspense or foreshadowing trouble. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for formal writing while being accessible to a broad audience. While generally useful, it's important to avoid overuse in lighthearted scenarios where its serious connotation might be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become increasingly grim

Highlights the growing severity and unpleasantness.

descend into darkness

Uses more figurative language to describe a negative shift.

worsen considerably

Focuses on the degree to which a situation declines.

deteriorate rapidly

Focuses on the speed and intensity of the decline.

go downhill fast

Emphasizes the speed of a negative decline.

devolve into chaos

Emphasizes the breakdown of order and structure.

turn sour

Implies a previously positive situation is going bad.

move toward tragedy

Suggests an inevitable and unfortunate outcome.

become catastrophic

Implies a disaster is happening or will happen.

plummet into despair

Highlights a severe and sudden decline in hope.

FAQs

How can I use "take a dark turn" in a sentence?

You can use "take a dark turn" to describe when a situation suddenly becomes negative or sinister. For example, "The investigation "took a dark turn" when they discovered the hidden evidence."

What are some alternatives to saying "take a dark turn"?

Alternatives include phrases like "descend into darkness", "become increasingly grim", or "deteriorate rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "take a dark turn" in formal writing?

Yes, "take a dark turn" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reporting or analytical contexts where you need to describe a negative shift in events. However, be mindful of the overall tone and avoid overuse.

What does it mean when something "takes a dark turn"?

It means that a situation or narrative has shifted from being positive or neutral to becoming negative, dangerous, or sinister. The phrase implies a significant worsening of circumstances.