"it was beginning to get dark" vs "it began to get dark"

Question

"it was beginning to get dark" vs "it began to get dark"

Both phrases are correct, but they differ slightly in terms of tense and emphasis. 'It began to get dark' is in the simple past tense and indicates a specific point in time when darkness started to set in. 'It was beginning to get dark' is in the past continuous tense and suggests a more gradual process of darkness falling. The choice between the two depends on the context and the specific nuance the speaker wants to convey.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a gradual process of darkness falling. It is in the past continuous tense.

Examples:

As we sat outside, it was beginning to get dark.
At that time of year, it was beginning to get dark by 4 p.m.
The room was dimly lit as it was beginning to get dark outside.

Alternatives:

it was starting to get dark
darkness was setting in
nightfall was approaching
the light was fading
dusk was descending

This phrase is used to indicate the moment when darkness started to set in. It is in the simple past tense.

Examples:

As we walked through the forest, it began to get dark.
After the sun set, it began to get dark quickly.
It began to get dark earlier than usual that evening.

Alternatives:

it started to get dark
darkness began to fall
nightfall began
the light faded
dusk approached

Answer 1

it was beginning to get dark

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

it began to get dark

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"it was beginning to get dark" vs "it began to get dark"

it was beginning to get dark

it began to get dark

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