the darkness of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the darkness of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an adjective that has been used to describe darkness, such as color, mood, setting, etc. For example: "The darkness of the night sky was broken by a streak of lightning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He has a dark mentality that comes from the darkness of the Middle Ages," he said.

Independent

The darkness of 2011 continued.

The New York Times

The darkness of the paintings is profound.

The New Yorker

In the darkness of Friday [Sept.

The New York Times

The darkness of insanity.

The Guardian - Books

"Only the darkness of my mother's tummy".

The New York Times - Books

The darkness of these designs is tangible.

The Guardian - Arts

It wasn't the darkness of the night that bothered me.

The New York Times

THE DARKNESS OF DAY Opens on Wednesday in Manhattan.

The New York Times

I move through the darkness of the unknown.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, Newcastle cannot imagine the darkness of another derby defeat.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the darkness of" to add depth and emotional weight to your descriptions, especially when discussing abstract concepts like fear, despair, or ignorance. For instance, "the darkness of despair" vividly conveys a profound sense of hopelessness.

Common error

Avoid using "the darkness of" with overly common pairings (e.g. "the darkness of night") unless you're aiming for a deliberate echo of familiar phrases. Opt for more specific and evocative language to create a fresher image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the darkness of" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting a specific attribute or quality associated with darkness. It introduces or elaborates on a noun, providing further description of its characteristics or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the darkness of" is a versatile phrase used to describe various aspects of darkness, from literal absence of light to metaphorical representations of despair or ignorance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a noun phrase, serving to evoke emotions and add depth to descriptions, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While widely used, it's advisable to avoid clichés and seek more original expressions to ensure freshness and impact in your writing. Keep in mind that "the darkness of" typically refers to the overall essence of darkness, while "the shadow of" points towards a partially obscured or influenced area. High-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its acceptability and relevance in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the obscurity of the night

Focuses on the lack of clarity and difficulty in seeing or understanding during the night.

the inky blackness of

Uses vivid imagery to describe a very dark, ink-like quality.

the depth of shadows

Focuses on the intensity and degree of shadow, emphasizing a visual aspect of darkness.

the pitch-black void

Emphasizes complete absence of light, creating a strong sense of emptiness.

the veil of night

Emphasizes the concealing nature of night, suggesting mystery or obscurity.

the absence of light in

Directly states the lack of light, often used in a scientific or factual context.

the heart of the night

Highlights the central or deepest part of the night, often implying a sense of solitude or introspection.

the gloom of twilight

Specifically refers to the dim light and somber atmosphere of twilight.

the shadow's embrace

Metaphorically describes the protective or enveloping quality of shadows.

the somber atmosphere of

Highlights the melancholy and serious tone associated with darkness or night.

FAQs

How can I use "the darkness of" in a sentence?

You can use "the darkness of" to describe a state, feeling, or environment. For instance, "The darkness of the forest made it difficult to see" or "The darkness of his mood was palpable".

What are some alternatives to "the darkness of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "the obscurity of", "the gloom of", or "the absence of light in".

When is it appropriate to use "the darkness of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the quality, feeling, or impact of darkness. Use it to create atmosphere, convey emotions, or add depth to your descriptions.

What's the difference between "the darkness of" and "the shadow of"?

"The darkness of" typically refers to the overall presence or quality of darkness, while "the shadow of" suggests an area or influence that is partially obscured or threatened by darkness.