after sundown

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "after sundown" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate a time that is after the sun has set and it is dark outside. For example: "We will start the party after sundown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Access was forbidden after sundown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After sundown, Nikeita was released.

The New Yorker

The boats usually set off after sundown.

The Guardian

Each night after sundown, drills commenced.

The New Yorker

MANAMA, Bahrain — The battle began soon after sundown.

The New York Times

In those days, women couldn't leave their dorms after sundown.

The New York Times

After sundown, a fire broke out on its fourth floor.

The New York Times

Holly winced at a sign reading "Clothing Optional After Sundown".

The New York Times - Travel

With his family, he plucked potatoes until long after sundown.

The New York Times

After sundown, the words glow orange and red.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Stargazing has increasingly become an alternative to traditional after-sundown dining and drinking at hotels and resorts.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalism and storytelling, this phrase is ideal for setting the scene of events occurring in the early evening.

Common error

While interchangeable in general writing, avoid using "after sundown" in scientific or legal documents where precise astronomical calculations are required. In such cases, "sunset" is the standardized term used by meteorologists and astronomers to define the moment the upper limb of the sun disappears.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after sundown" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time. It consists of the preposition "after" and the noun "sundown". Ludwig AI examples show it modifying verbs to indicate when an action begins (e.g., "drills commenced") or describing conditions that occur once the sun is gone (e.g., "the words glow orange").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "after sundown" is a highly effective and grammatically correct way to describe the transition from day to night. Ludwig AI data demonstrates its widespread acceptance across the most prestigious English-language publications. It serves as a near-perfect synonym for "<a href="/s/after+sunset" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after sunset" but often carries a more literary or narrative weight. Whether used in a news report about urban crime or a cultural piece on religious holidays, the phrase provides a clear and evocative temporal marker that readers instantly recognize. Writers should feel confident using it in almost any context, provided the goal is general temporal description rather than strict astronomical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after sunset

virtually identical in meaning but slightly more clinical or descriptive of the event itself

after nightfall

emphasizes the arrival of night rather than just the departure of the sun

after dark

focuses on the absence of light and is more common in casual spoken English

once the sun sets

uses a clausal structure to indicate the same timeframe

after the sun goes down

a more colloquial and descriptive alternative

post-sunset

a more technical or formal adjective/adverbial form often used in schedules

following dusk

specifies a time immediately after the transition period between day and night

after twilight

refers to a slightly later time when the last glow of the sun has faded

when night falls

a more evocative and poetic way to describe the transition

at night

a broader term that covers the entire period of darkness

FAQs

How to use "after sundown" in a sentence?

You can use it to denote a specific timeframe, such as: "The town becomes exceptionally quiet "after sundown"." It often functions as an adverbial phrase of time.

What can I say instead of "after sundown"?

Common alternatives include "<a href="/s/after+sunset" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after sunset", "<a href="/s/after+dark" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after dark", or "<a href="/s/after+nightfall" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after nightfall".

Is "after sundown" formal enough for business writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional contexts, though "<a href="/s/after+sunset" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after sunset" is slightly more common in formal reports.

What is the difference between "after sundown" and "after sunset"?

There is no major semantic difference. However, "<a href="/s/after+sundown" target="_blank" rel="alternative">after sundown" is often perceived as more evocative and is frequently used in literature and journalism, while "sunset" is the standard astronomical term.