Contrast between bright and dark?

Question

Should I add definite articles before "bright" and "dark"?which one is more appropriate?Thanks

Deadrat · Accepted Answer

Can't tell without the context.  Post your sentence so I don't have to guess.

Maelstrom · Answer

deadratCan't tell without the context. Post your sentence so I don't have to guess.

I actually don't have any, I am just pondering how this expression should be used.

Deadrat · Answer

Fair enough. The answer is that it depends.

"Chiaroscuro is the term for the dramatic effect in painting obtained by contrasting bright and dark."

"And *** said, 'Let there be bright,” and there was brightness. *** saw that the brightness was good, and he separated the bright from the dark. *** called the bright “day,” and the dark he called “night.” (apologies to King James)

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor dark of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

But "In the Dark of the Night" is a song from the animated film Anastasia.
But "Dark of Night" is the name of a 1952 TV series. All but one episode has been lost, and so have the definite articles modifying "Dark" and "Night."

For an organizing principle, you'll have to find someone cleverer than me. That shouldn't be difficult.

CalifJim · Answer

maelstromShould I add definite articles before "bright" and "dark"?

When they are used as adjectives, it's the noun they modify that determines whether you need an article.

"bright" can't be used to mean "brightness", but "dark" can be used to mean "darkness", so if you have the noun "dark", use it as you use the noun "darkness".

— Where was Moses when the lights went out?
— In the dark.

CJ

Contrast between bright and dark?

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