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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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utter blackness

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Absent such intrusions, this is a world of utter blackness.

In fact, Dromgoole went as far as utter blackness for Malfi, where Webster only requested gloom.

News & Media

The Guardian

It was like looking into another universe of hallucinogenic stars and planets, shading from deep blue to utter blackness.

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".

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

The New York Times

Rising to the surface, he finds himself surrounded by pieces of the burning aircraft illuminating utter blackness in a furious storm.

News & Media

The New York Times
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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

The New York Times

It is a blackness of utter desolation, like looking into a waiting coffin.

I tumbled down blinded into a blackness that was utter, complete, final".

Her blackness was our blackness.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Her blackness?

News & Media

The New Yorker
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: