a night like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a night like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type of night that is memorable or significant, often in a context of excitement or anticipation. Example: "I never expected to experience such joy and laughter on a night like this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Music

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Best of all is her exquisite "A Night Like This", which is as light and frothy as a Dean Martin comedy.

Independent

"A night like this," she said.

The New Yorker

On a night like this, I saw the oddest thing.

The New York Times

On a night like this, "Hamilton" was to be expected.

The New Yorker

Who could be in bed on a night like this?

The Guardian

"You think about a night like this in your mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"You're a lifesaver on a night like this," he said.

The New York Times

"Pitch has nothing to do with a night like this.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm always forgetting to breathe on a night like this.

The New Yorker

He worried out loud that "Romney could never do a night like this".

The New Yorker

It was a night like this, at the end of summer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the tone matches the atmosphere being described, whether it's celebratory, reflective, or somber.

Common error

Avoid overuse; while effective, using "a night like this" too often can diminish its impact. Employ it sparingly to highlight truly remarkable or memorable evenings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a night like this" functions as a descriptive element, typically serving as an adjective modifying an implied or stated noun. It emphasizes the unique or memorable quality of the night being described. Ludwig indicates its appropriateness in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sports

14%

Music

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a night like this" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a memorable or significant evening. As Ludwig confirms, its versatility allows it to be employed across various contexts, from News & Media to personal narratives. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, leaning towards informal, alternatives such as "an evening such as this" can provide a more formal tone. To maximize impact, it’s advisable to use "a night like this" judiciously, reserving it for truly remarkable occasions. Common errors include overusing the phrase. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian regularly employ the phrase, demonstrating its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a special night like this

Adds emphasis on the exceptional nature of the event.

an evening such as this

Replaces "night" with "evening", slightly altering the time frame reference while maintaining the overall sentiment.

during an evening like this

Similar to "an evening such as this", it emphasizes a pleasant, memorable experience.

a unique night such as this one

Stresses the singularity and irrepeatable quality of the experience.

a moment like this

Shifts the focus from the entire night to a specific moment, emphasizing a particular instance within the night.

an occasion like this

Broadens the scope to any type of event or gathering, not necessarily limited to a night.

a time like this

Generalizes the reference to a period, not necessarily a night, but shares a similar sentiment of significance.

on an occasion like this

Similar to "an occasion like this", emphasizing the rarity and importance of the specific moment.

in circumstances like these

Focuses on the prevailing conditions or situation, rather than the specific timeframe of a night.

under conditions such as these

Similar to "in circumstances like these", but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "a night like this" in a sentence?

You can use "a night like this" to describe a memorable or significant evening. For example, "I'll always remember "a night like this" when we first met."

What's a more formal alternative to "a night like this"?

A more formal alternative could be "an evening such as this". It maintains a similar meaning while elevating the formality of the language. For example, "We rarely see such generosity during "an evening such as this"".

What does "a night like this" typically imply?

"A night like this" usually implies that the evening is exceptional, memorable, or significant in some way. It suggests that the experiences or events of the night are out of the ordinary.

Is it correct to say "a night such as this" instead of "a night like this"?

Yes, "a night such as this" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning to "a night like this". The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, with "such as this" sounding slightly more formal.