The sun is setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The sun is setting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the time of day when the sun is going down, often evoking imagery or setting a scene. Example: "As we sat on the beach, the sun is setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sun is setting.

The New Yorker

The sun is setting on Gaza.

The Guardian

The sun is setting when we hear the wolf.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun is setting, turning the sky crimson.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun is setting, it seems, on a vanishing world.

The New York Times

The sun is setting into snowdrifts, and the land is stark and beautiful.

The Guardian

The sun is setting behind them, throwing glitter across the water.

The New York Times

The sun is setting to my west/right, illuminating the right half of the moon.

The New York Times

The sun is setting over the sea and golden light catches on the waves.

Independent

The sun is setting and suddenly lights up Annapurna Fang in gold.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun is setting over the Palisades on the opposite shore, allowing the night sounds to rise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of the sunset. Use the phrase to evoke feelings of nostalgia, closure, or anticipation for the night ahead.

Common error

Avoid using "The sun is setting" in overly sentimental or cliché-ridden contexts. Strive for fresh imagery and avoid predictable descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The sun is setting" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, depicting a specific time of day. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to set a scene or convey a sense of time. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing landscapes to symbolizing endings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Science

0.2%

Wiki

0.3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The sun is setting" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to depict the end of the day, often evoking a sense of closure or reflection. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To enhance your writing, consider using this phrase to set a scene, create a mood, or symbolize endings, but avoid clichés by seeking fresh imagery. Alternatives like "dusk is approaching" or "the sun is going down" can provide subtle variations. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "The sun is setting" into your writing to create impactful and evocative imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The sun is going down

A simpler, more direct way of saying the sun is setting.

Dusk is approaching

Focuses on the approaching darkness rather than the sun's specific action.

Sunset is occurring

A more formal and technical way to state that the sun is setting.

Night is falling

Emphasizes the arrival of night, a more general description of the transition.

The sun dips below the horizon

More descriptive and emphasizes the physical action of the sun moving.

The day is ending

Highlights the conclusion of the day rather than the sunset itself.

Twilight is here

Refers specifically to the period of twilight, the soft glow after sunset.

Daylight is fading

Emphasizes the diminishing light as the day ends.

Evening is arriving

Highlights the arrival of evening, focusing less on the sun itself.

The close of day is near

A more poetic and less literal way to describe the end of the day.

FAQs

How can I use "The sun is setting" in a sentence?

You can use "The sun is setting" to describe a time of day or to evoke a certain mood. For example: "The sun is setting, painting the sky with vibrant colors."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "The sun is setting"?

Instead of "The sun is setting", you could say "the sun dips below the horizon" for a more visual and active description.

Is it appropriate to use "The sun is setting" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "The sun is setting" may be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "dusk is approaching" for a more professional tone.

What feelings or ideas does "The sun is setting" commonly represent?

"The sun is setting" can symbolize endings, reflection, or the passage of time. It's often used to create a sense of peace, melancholy, or anticipation for what's to come.