around evening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around evening" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used to indicate a general time frame in the evening, but it is more natural to specify a more precise time or use a different expression. Example: "We should meet around evening to discuss our plans for the weekend."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The protesters sleep in tents and tepees, cook food in open-air kitchens and share stories and strategies around evening campfires.

The New York Times

Around evening, many people gathered in front of the NLD headquarters to wait for the voting results.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Around midday she exploded.

The New York Times

It was around noon.

The New York Times

"Usually around midnight".

The New York Times

TO BED Around midnight.

The New York Times

This is around noon.

The New York Times

Around noon, Knight arrived.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You're tired around midday.

The New York Times - Sports

That was around midday.

The New York Times

Sunday, around midnight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "around evening" is understandable, consider using more common phrases like "in the evening" or specifying a time, such as "around dusk", for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "around evening" in formal writing. Opt for more precise language or standard phrases like "in the evening" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around evening" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurs. It indicates an approximate time in the evening. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe events happening near or during the evening hours.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around evening" is an acceptable but not particularly common way to indicate a time close to evening. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it functions as an adverbial phrase of time and is generally neutral in register. While understandable, it's often better to opt for more precise language such as "in the evening", "near dusk", or a specific time for enhanced clarity. As Ludwig indicates, there is a tendency to prefer standard alternatives over "around evening".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about evening

Replaces "around" with "about", offering a slightly less precise estimate of time.

near evening

Substitutes "around" with "near", implying proximity in time to the evening.

towards evening

Employs "towards" instead of "around", suggesting movement in time leading to the evening.

close to evening

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate the time's proximity to evening.

in the late afternoon

Specifies a different part of the day that often overlaps with the beginning of evening.

as evening approaches

Suggests a process of time advancing into the evening.

when evening is drawing near

Offers a more poetic and descriptive way to express the same idea.

at dusk

Uses a specific term for the transition period from day to night.

during twilight

Refers to the period of partial darkness between day and night.

in the gloaming

Employs an archaic term for twilight or dusk.

FAQs

Is "around evening" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "around evening" is less common than alternatives like "in the evening" or "near dusk". Ludwig indicates it's acceptable but less frequently used.

What are some alternatives to "around evening"?

You can use phrases such as "about evening", "near evening", or "towards evening". For a more specific time, consider using "at dusk".

Is it better to say "in the evening" or "around evening"?

"In the evening" is generally preferred for its common usage and clarity. "Around evening" can sound less natural to some speakers.

Can I use "around evening" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid "around evening" in formal writing. Instead, choose more precise or standard phrases like "in the evening" or specify a time frame such as "late afternoon".