a sad night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sad night" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an evening that is filled with sorrow or melancholy. Example: "After hearing the news, it turned into a sad night for everyone at the gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was a sad night".

The Guardian

"It's a sad night," Ms. Murry said after Ms. Braun had left the stage.

The New York Times

"Tonight was a sad night," he said on the club's Web site.

The New York Times

Once upon a time, the Emmys were a sad night for TV fans.

The New Yorker

QPR manager Warnock today joined the chorus of people condemning those involved in the trouble at Elland Road and believes it was a sad night for English football.

Independent

MVS responded by firing Aristegui herself on Sunday, in a move described by the station's ombudsman as "a sad night for journalism".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

That was a very sad night in the newsroom but it was also a night of pride especially upon the assembly of tens of thousands of Libyans spontaneously in the centres of different towns to offer prayers for the martyr.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ohio Gov. John Kasich called it "the worst tragedy in the history of the fair," adding, "it's a very, very sad night for all of us".

Huffington Post

"Commissioner Kerik has recognized that what happened that sad night in February 1999 was a tragedy, not a crime -- and not a violation of department guidelines".

The New York Times

On the night of June 30 , 1520 known as noche triste ("sad night"), Cortes and his men attempted to leave the city quietly but were spotted by the Aztecs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you've not lost the will to live I will spell out a few of the genuine differences between the parties different approaches but first in honour of Paxo - on the morning after the sad night before - can I just have a Paxman-ish harrumph and say "Isn't this preposterous battle of hollow rhetoric what turns people off politics?" PS: Now for the detail.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. Synonyms like "sorrowful" or "heartbreaking" might be more appropriate for stronger feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "a sad night" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. Overusing emotionally charged language can diminish its impact when describing truly significant events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sad night" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality or characteristic of the night, indicating it was filled with sadness or sorrow. Ludwig AI examples show it depicting events and personal feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sad night" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an evening filled with sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a sorrowful night" or "a gloomy evening" can offer nuanced emotional tones, be mindful of the intensity and avoid overuse in trivial situations. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use it to effectively evoke empathy and convey a sense of collective sorrow when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sorrowful night

Replaces "sad" with a synonym that emphasizes deep sorrow.

a gloomy evening

Substitutes "night" with "evening" and "sad" with "gloomy", highlighting a sense of darkness and unhappiness.

an unfortunate evening

Focuses on the unlucky or regrettable aspect of the night.

a depressing night

Emphasizes the night's capacity to induce feelings of depression.

a heartbreaking night

Highlights the emotionally painful aspect of the night.

a dismal evening

Similar to "gloomy evening", conveying a sense of dreariness and bleakness.

a cheerless night

Focuses on the absence of joy or happiness during the night.

a melancholic night

Highlights a reflective sadness or pensiveness.

a regrettable evening

Focuses on the aspect of causing regret.

a blue night

Uses "blue" as a metaphor for sadness or melancholy.

FAQs

What does "a sad night" mean?

The phrase "a sad night" refers to an evening filled with sorrow, disappointment, or misfortune. It's often used to describe the emotional atmosphere following unfortunate events or news.

How can I use "a sad night" in a sentence?

You can use "a sad night" to describe an evening characterized by unhappiness, such as, "After the team's loss, it was "a sad night" for all the fans".

What can I say instead of "a sad night"?

You can use alternatives like "a sorrowful night", "a gloomy evening", or "a depressing night" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "a sad night" formal or informal?

"A sad night" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most commonly found in news and media reporting.