after sunset

USAGE SUMMARY

"after sunset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time of day after the sun has set, typically in the evening or nighttime. For example: "We went for a walk after sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

JUST AFTER SUNSET: Stories, by Stephen King. (Scribner, $28).

The New York Times - Books

Funerals began after sunset.

The New Yorker

Hearing them after sunset feels disorienting.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes it is not until after sunset.

The New York Times

The temperature was 90F after sunset.

The Guardian - Travel

Traditionally called iftar, the evening meal is partaken after sunset.

The New York Times

At least they will be tonight, shortly after sunset.

The New York Times

They sleep soon after sunset and rise at dawn.

The New York Times

Gunfire was a common sound after sunset, they said.

The New York Times

I stayed longer and longer, far after sunset.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Are after-sunset encounters allowed if they don't include food?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or activities that occur "after sunset", be mindful of the specific context. Consider whether a more precise term like "twilight" or "nightfall" might be more appropriate to convey the exact timing.

Common error

Avoid using "after sunset" when a more specific timeframe is relevant. For example, instead of saying "the stars appeared after sunset", consider "the stars became visible at twilight" if you mean the very beginning of the evening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after sunset" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after sunset" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe events occurring in the evening or at night, specifically following the setting of the sun. Ludwig AI affirms its valid usage. While versatile, it's important to consider whether more precise terms like "twilight" or "nightfall" might be more appropriate for specific contexts. Its usage spans across various domains including news, science, and general conversation, indicating its widespread applicability. Related phrases include "post-sunset", "following sundown", and "in the evening", offering alternative ways to express similar temporal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once the sun has set

This alternative is a more explicit and descriptive way of saying "after sunset".

post-sunset

This alternative is a single-word adjective describing something occurring after the sun has set.

subsequent to sunset

This alternative uses more formal language to indicate the time period following the sunset.

following sundown

This alternative uses a more descriptive term, "sundown", to denote the time of sunset.

after nightfall

This alternative emphasizes the arrival of darkness, typically some time after the sun has set.

in the post-sunset period

This is a more technical and descriptive way of referring to the time after the sunset.

in the evening

This alternative refers to a broader time frame, encompassing the period from late afternoon to night.

during the evening hours

This alternative highlights that an event occurred in the period commonly defined as evening.

at twilight

This alternative pinpoints the specific period of fading light immediately after sunset.

later in the day

This alternative is a less specific phrase indicating a time after the midday period.

FAQs

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

You can use "after sunset" to describe events or activities that take place in the evening or at night, such as "We went for a walk "after sunset"" or "The temperature drops significantly "after sunset"".

What's the difference between "after sunset" and "at night"?

"After sunset" refers specifically to the time following the sun's setting, while "at night" is a more general term for the period of darkness. You might say something happens ""after sunset"" to indicate a specific start time, but use "at night" for a broader timeframe.

What can I say instead of "after sunset"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "following sundown", "in the evening", or "at twilight".

Is it more appropriate to use "after sunset" or "after dark"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "After sunset" is more precise, indicating the specific moment the sun dips below the horizon. "After dark" implies a more general period once darkness has fully settled. The best choice depends on the context and the level of detail needed.