Exploring Darkness: Collocations and Expressions
B1Lexis
When we talk about darkness, we often use specific word combinations. The most natural way to describe very dark conditions is pitch black or complete darkness. As evening approaches, we say darkness descends or darkness falls. People can be surrounded by darkness or overcome by darkness. Many children have a fear of darkness, while others might learn to embrace the darkness.
Key Terms
- pitch black
- completely dark with no light at all
- complete darkness
- a situation where there is no light
- darkness descends
- when night begins to fall
- surrounded by darkness
- having darkness on all sides
💬 Section 1: Night Shift Conversation
Sarah and Tom discussing their work during a night shift at a hospital
Sarah: “The hospital feels different when darkness falls, doesn't it?”
Tom: “It does. Some areas can get pitch black if the lights aren't working.”
Sarah: “Especially the old wing. I always feel surrounded by darkness there.”
Tom: “The complete darkness in that area makes me uncomfortable sometimes.”
Sarah: “Have you noticed how quickly darkness descends in winter?”
Tom: “Yes, it's already dark when our shift starts at 6 PM.”
Sarah: “At least the emergency lights never leave us in complete darkness.”
Tom: “True, we always need some light for patient safety.”
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Sarah worked as a night shift nurse at the city hospital. As she walked to work one evening, she watched the darkness descend over the city. The streets were quiet, and soon she found herself surrounded by darkness. Some people might find this scary, but Sarah had learned to embrace the darkness. She understood that darkness wasn’t always something to fear – it was just another part of nature’s cycle.
At the hospital, she met Tom, the security guard, who was checking the emergency lights. ‘We can’t let the hospital fall into darkness,’ he explained. ‘Even in complete darkness, we need to keep working.’ Sarah nodded, knowing that in their line of work, they often had to help people emerge from darkness, both literally and figuratively.
Key Terms
- fall into darkness
- to become completely dark
- emerge from darkness
- to come out of a dark place or situation
💬 Section 2: A Night Shift Tale
Sarah helping a young patient afraid of the dark
Alex: “I don't like it when the room falls into darkness.”
Sarah: “I understand. Many people feel nervous in the dark.”
Alex: “Will you leave the small light on?”
Sarah: “Of course. And remember, the sun will emerge from darkness in the morning.”
Alex: “But what if I need something during the night?”
Sarah: “I'll check on you regularly, and you can always press the call button.”
Alex: “Promise you won't let it get too dark?”
Sarah: “I promise. We'll keep the night light on all night.”
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◆ pitch black→completely dark with no light at all
◆ complete darkness→a situation where there is no light
◆ darkness descends→when night begins to fall
◆ darkness falls→when night begins (alternative to 'descends')
◆ fall into darkness→to become completely dark
◆ fear of darkness→being afraid of dark places or nighttime
◆ emerge from darkness→to come out of a dark place or situation
◆ surrounded by darkness→having darkness on all sides
◆ impenetrable darkness→darkness so thick that nothing can be seen through it
◆ embrace the darkness→to accept or welcome dark conditions
◆ overcome by darkness→to be completely enveloped by darkness