Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
utter blackness
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "utter blackness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of complete darkness or an absence of light, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "As the storm raged outside, the power went out, plunging the room into utter blackness."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Books
Opinion
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Absent such intrusions, this is a world of utter blackness.
News & Media
In fact, Dromgoole went as far as utter blackness for Malfi, where Webster only requested gloom.
News & Media
It was like looking into another universe of hallucinogenic stars and planets, shading from deep blue to utter blackness.
News & Media
There is the time, for example, when he falls from a green meadow filled with virgins who are to be systematically deflowered through a trapdoor into "utter blackness".
News & Media
Both Mr. Parrino and Mr. Meara recalled the utter blackness that followed the wind; they remember meeting people who gave them water and help.
News & Media
Rising to the surface, he finds himself surrounded by pieces of the burning aircraft illuminating utter blackness in a furious storm.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
Quite literally: much of the time you strain your eyes to make out figures in twilight and fog, and several important scenes occur in the utter, disorienting blackness of night in the desolate countryside.
News & Media
It is a blackness of utter desolation, like looking into a waiting coffin.
News & Media
I tumbled down blinded into a blackness that was utter, complete, final".
News & Media
Her blackness was our blackness.
News & Media
Her blackness?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "utter blackness" when you want to emphasize a complete absence of light, often in a dramatic or descriptive context. For a more impactful image, consider it in contrast with a previously lit environment.
Common error
Avoid using "utter blackness" in everyday situations where simple darkness would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a strong sense of drama, mystery, or fear.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "utter blackness" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a condition or state of complete darkness. Ludwig indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Books
17%
Opinion
8%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "utter blackness" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a state of complete and intense darkness. As Ludwig confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, though it's best reserved for scenarios where the intensity of the darkness is significant. While synonyms like "complete darkness" and "total darkness" exist, "utter blackness" carries a more dramatic and evocative weight. It appears frequently in news media, books, and opinion pieces, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, aim to create a strong impression of darkness, typically where a lack of light evokes a sense of mystery or gloom. The phrase is powerful, but overusing it in mundane situations may diminish its impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
complete darkness
Emphasizes the completeness of the darkness.
total darkness
Similar to complete darkness, highlighting the totality of the absence of light.
absolute darkness
Stresses the absolute nature of the darkness, leaving no room for light.
pitch black
A common idiom indicating intense darkness, like pitch.
inky blackness
Uses the visual of ink to describe a deep, impenetrable darkness.
stygian darkness
References the river Styx in Greek mythology, associated with the underworld and deep darkness.
unrelieved darkness
Highlights the continuous and unbroken nature of the darkness.
profound darkness
Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the darkness.
unmitigated gloom
Shifts the focus slightly to a feeling of intense gloom and despair, related to darkness.
impenetrable darkness
Focuses on the inability to see through or escape the darkness.
FAQs
What does "utter blackness" mean?
The phrase "utter blackness" describes a state of complete and intense darkness, where there is virtually no light present. It's often used to evoke a sense of mystery, fear, or despair.
How can I use "utter blackness" in a sentence?
You can use "utter blackness" to describe a scene or feeling, such as: "The power outage plunged the city into "complete darkness"". Or: "A wave of "unmitigated gloom" washed over him as he faced the consequences of his actions".
What are some synonyms for "utter blackness"?
Some synonyms for "utter blackness" include "total darkness", "complete darkness", "pitch black", and "inky blackness".
Is "utter blackness" a formal or informal phrase?
"Utter blackness" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in descriptive writing or dramatic narratives. Simpler terms like "dark" are more common in everyday conversation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested