In the afternoon

USAGE SUMMARY

"In the afternoon" is a correct and common part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific time during the day, usually between noon and evening. Example: "I have a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, so I won't be able to meet for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the afternoon, we bushwhacked.

The New Yorker

In the afternoon, I met my friend.

The New York Times

In the afternoon, the pentathlon was held.

The New Yorker

In the afternoon, I joined a P.E.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the afternoon, cafés are stuffed.

The New Yorker

In the afternoon I delivered the vegetables.

The New York Times

In the afternoon, head to Wenceslas Square.

BBC

In the afternoon, Hamilton completed longer runs.

BBC

In the afternoon, Battlefield begins.

TechCrunch

In the afternoon, Maddon met with Chapman.

Los Angeles Times

In the afternoon, she helps with housework.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the afternoon" to specify when an event or activity occurs between noon and evening. It provides a clear temporal reference point within the day.

Common error

Avoid using "In the afternoon" interchangeably with "In the evening" or "At night". Each refers to a distinct period of the day, and using them incorrectly can cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the afternoon" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In the afternoon" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify the timing of events between noon and evening. Ludwig AI’s analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it's slightly more formal than casual alternatives. To avoid confusion, ensure it is not used interchangeably with similar time references like "in the evening" or "at night". Alternative phrases like "during the afternoon" or "later in the day" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During the afternoon

Emphasizes the activity happening continuously through the afternoon.

In the p.m.

A more abbreviated and slightly less formal way to refer to the afternoon.

Later in the day

Broader term encompassing the afternoon but potentially extending into the early evening.

Sometime after midday

More descriptive and less common way of indicating the afternoon.

In the course of the afternoon

Highlights the duration and progression of events during the afternoon.

After lunch

Refers to the time period following the midday meal, usually aligning with the afternoon.

Mid-afternoon

Specifically denotes the middle part of the afternoon.

The second half of the day

More general reference to the afternoon period compared to the morning.

From noon onwards

Marks the starting point of the afternoon, focusing on the hours after noon.

Between 12 pm and 5 pm

Specifies the timeframe considered as the afternoon.

FAQs

How can I use "In the afternoon" in a sentence?

Use "In the afternoon" to specify a time between noon and evening. For example, "The meeting is scheduled "in the afternoon".".

What phrases are similar to "In the afternoon"?

Similar phrases include "during the afternoon", "later in the day", or "in the p.m.". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "On the afternoon" instead of "In the afternoon"?

"In the afternoon" is the standard and grammatically correct preposition to use. "On the afternoon" is not typically used in this context.

What is the difference between "In the afternoon" and "In the evening"?

"In the afternoon" refers to the time between noon and approximately 5 or 6 pm, while "In the evening" refers to the time from approximately 6 pm until night. They denote different parts of the day.