utter darkness

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter darkness" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a complete and total absence of light, as in a completely dark room or night sky, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or feeling that is completely hopeless, bleak, or devoid of any light or positivity. Example: The power outage left the entire city in utter darkness, with no streetlights or signs of life to be seen. Example: After the sudden death of her husband, Jane felt as though she had been plunged into utter darkness, unable to see any hope for the future.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Utter darkness.

The Guardian - Music

Behind it there is utter darkness.

The Guardian - Arts

Gerwig saves "Greenberg" from utter darkness, just as her character saves Stiller's from the same thing.

The New Yorker

In the utter darkness, we were guided by kerosene lamps that hung from the trees.

The New York Times - Travel

It is unique in its displays of "light and utter darkness".

The Guardian - Travel

With Ohno as his muse, Hijikata spent the next several years developing Ankoku Butoh-ha – "the dance of utter darkness".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Utter, complete darkness.

The Guardian - Music

I remember crying out and hearing nothing, and it was utter impermeable darkness.

The New Yorker

Suited like a superhero, he overcomes his fear ("there might be the crocodiles, those monstrous crocodiles from the worst films in the world that terrorise the sewers") to experience darkness, utter silence and surprising bursts of light.

BBC

Around hilly terrain and windy roads we drive in complete, utter silence and darkness.

Huffington Post

But collectively they dismantled the country they covered, leaving behind a trail of suffering, darkness and utter disarray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utter darkness" in writing, consider its strong connotations. It's effective for creating a sense of mystery, fear, or despair. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the completeness and intensity of the darkness, both literally and figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "utter darkness" in everyday situations where simpler terms like "dark" or "dim" would suffice. Using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Reserve "utter darkness" for scenes that genuinely warrant a strong and evocative description.

Linguistic Context

Utter darkness primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state or condition. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from literal descriptions of physical darkness to metaphorical representations of emotional or spiritual states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter darkness" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys a complete absence of light or a profound sense of despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Arts. When using "utter darkness", consider the strong emotional impact it carries and ensure it aligns with the desired tone of your writing. While powerful, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic in less intense scenarios. The alternative phrases, such as "complete blackness" and "total blackness", offer similar meaning with varying degrees of intensity. Remember to avoid overusing "utter darkness" in casual contexts, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong and evocative description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete blackness

Emphasizes the totality of the absence of light.

total blackness

Similar to "complete blackness", highlighting the full extent of the darkness.

absolute darkness

Highlights the unqualified and total nature of the darkness.

pitch black

A more informal way to describe complete darkness, like the color of pitch.

inky blackness

Describes darkness with a quality similar to ink, suggesting a dense, impenetrable darkness.

lightless void

Emphasizes the absence of light and the emptiness of the space.

impenetrable darkness

Suggests a darkness that cannot be seen through or entered.

unrelieved darkness

Suggests a darkness that is constant and without any interruption or lessening.

Stygian darkness

Evokes a darkness that is profoundly gloomy and forbidding, reminiscent of the river Styx in Greek mythology.

deep shadow

Suggests a profound and extensive shadow, close to complete darkness.

FAQs

How can I use "utter darkness" in a sentence?

You can use "utter darkness" to describe a complete absence of light, such as "The power outage plunged the city into "utter darkness"". It can also be used metaphorically to describe feelings of despair or hopelessness.

What's a less dramatic alternative to "utter darkness"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "complete darkness", "total darkness", or simply "deep shadow" if you want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

Can "utter darkness" be used to describe something other than physical darkness?

Yes, "utter darkness" is often used metaphorically to describe a situation or feeling that is completely devoid of hope, joy, or positive aspects. For example, "After losing her job, she felt enveloped in "utter darkness"".

Is it appropriate to use "utter darkness" in formal writing?

Yes, "utter darkness" is appropriate for formal writing when used correctly to emphasize the severity of darkness or a metaphorical sense of despair. Its use depends on the specific context and desired tone of the writing.