"in the dark" vs "in darkness"

Question

"in the dark" vs "in darkness"

Both 'in the dark' and 'in darkness' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In the dark' is more commonly used to mean lacking knowledge or information about something, while 'in darkness' is used to describe a physical absence of light.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone lacks knowledge or information about something. It can also refer to being in a place without light.

Examples:

She was left in the dark about the company's plans.
The power outage left us in the dark for hours.
He stumbled around in the dark trying to find the light switch.

Alternatives:

uninformed
ignorant
clueless

This phrase is used to describe a physical absence of light, such as being in a dark room or outside at night.

Examples:

The room was shrouded in darkness.
She was afraid of being alone in darkness.
The city streets were empty and cloaked in darkness.

Alternatives:

in the dark
without light
in the shadows

Answer 1

in the dark

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in darkness

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

"in the dark" vs "in darkness"

in the dark

in darkness

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