after dark

USAGE SUMMARY

"after dark" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time in the evening or the end of the day, particularly when the darkness is noticeable. For example, "We always went for walks after dark to make the most of the cooler temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I had never seen it after dark.

The New Yorker

Most returned long after dark.

The Guardian

What about after dark?

Huffington Post

After Dark.

Columbia University

"It's after dark".

The New Yorker

It was after dark.

The New Yorker

After dark is trickier.

The New York Times - Travel

Showers likely after dark.

The Washington Post

Avoid beaches after dark.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Welcome to the After-Dark Ages.

Independent

Not even be in town after dark".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or activities that occur at night, use "after dark" to clearly indicate the time frame. For example, "The city becomes more lively "after dark" with its vibrant nightlife."

Common error

Avoid using "after dark" interchangeably with phrases that have different connotations, such as "in the dead of night", which implies a more specific and often ominous time.

How to use

Learn how to use "after dark" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after dark" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and providing information about when an action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after dark" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase indicating the time following sunset. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It frequently appears in News & Media sources but is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "at nightfall" or "in the evening". When using "after dark", be mindful not to confuse it with phrases having different connotations, and remember that, for many people, "the night is dark and full of terrors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after sunset

Specifically denotes the period following the sun's setting.

at nightfall

Focuses specifically on the moment when night begins.

when night falls

Highlights the transition to nighttime.

by night

A more concise way to indicate activities or events occurring during the night.

in the evening

Refers to a broader period encompassing late afternoon and early night.

late at night

Refers to the later hours of the evening.

during nighttime

A more formal way to refer to the night period.

under the cover of darkness

Implies secrecy or concealment during the night.

in darkness

Focuses on the absence of light during the night.

in the dead of night

Emphasizes the late and quiet hours of the night.

FAQs

How can I use "after dark" in a sentence?

Use "after dark" to indicate that something happens once it is dark. For example, "The park is closed to the public "after dark" for safety reasons."

What is the difference between "at night" and "after dark"?

"At night" is a general term referring to any time during the night. "After dark" specifically indicates the period following sunset, when it has become dark.

What are some alternatives to saying "after dark"?

Depending on the context, you could use "at nightfall", "in the evening", or "when night falls" as alternatives to "after dark".

Is it correct to say "the after dark"?

While grammatically it can sometimes be correct with a proper noun (The After Dark Club), it is not typically used with the definite article "the" when referring to the general time period. Instead, use "after dark".