The sun was setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The sun was 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 a sense of beauty or transition. Example: "As we walked along the beach, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sun was setting.

The Economist

The sun was setting on the Hudson.

The New York Times

The sun was setting beyond the trees.

The New Yorker

The sun was setting in the valley.

The New York Times

The sun was setting and whatever warmth was left vanished.

The New Yorker

"The sun was setting and I just soaked it up".

The New York Times

The sun was setting and the temperature had dropped considerably.

The New York Times - Travel

The sun was setting, and the temperature was dropping.

The New York Times

The sun was setting, but his mood would not.

The New York Times

The sun was setting, and they were covered in sweat.

The New Yorker

The sun was setting on a nearly empty street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "The sun was setting" to create a vivid image of a scene transitioning from day to night, evoking feelings of peace, reflection, or anticipation.

Common error

While effective, repeatedly using "The sun was setting" can make your writing predictable. Vary your descriptions with more specific details about the colors, atmosphere, or surrounding environment. Try "the sun dipped below the horizon" or similar variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The sun was setting" functions primarily as a descriptive element. It establishes the time of day and creates a visual image. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct way to depict this scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "The sun was setting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe the time of day and set a scene, often evoking feelings of transition and closure. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for various writing styles. While effective, avoid overuse by incorporating alternative descriptions of the sunset. Remember to tailor your usage to the specific mood and atmosphere you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The sun was going down

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

The sun dipped below the horizon

Focuses on the sun's movement below the horizon line.

Dusk was approaching

Focuses on the arrival of dusk rather than the sun's action.

Twilight was descending

Emphasizes the dimming of light as twilight begins.

Sunset was occurring

A more formal way of saying the sun was setting.

The day was drawing to a close

Highlights the end of the day in a more general sense.

Evening was falling

Describes the arrival of evening, similar to dusk approaching.

Golden hour was upon us

Highlights the quality of light during sunset.

The sky was ablaze with color

Emphasizes the vibrant colors often seen during sunset.

Night was on its way

Shifts focus to the approaching night.

FAQs

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

Consider phrases that highlight specific aspects of the sunset like the colors in the sky, such as "the sky was ablaze with color" or the sun's movement, like ""the sun dipped below the horizon"".

How can I use "The sun was setting" effectively in my writing?

Use "The sun was setting" to establish a specific mood or time of day. Follow it with details about the environment or characters' reactions to create a stronger impression. For example, "The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the field and painting the sky with hues of orange and purple."

Is it okay to start a sentence with "The sun was setting"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "The sun was setting". It's grammatically correct and can be an effective way to set the scene. Vary sentence structure by sometimes placing it within the sentence for stylistic diversity.

What does "The sun was setting" imply in literature?

"The sun was setting" often symbolizes the end of a period, transition, or reflection. It can also foreshadow change or signify a time for introspection. It depends on the overall context of the text.