as the sun set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the sun set" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or action occurring simultaneously with the sunset, often to create a vivid imagery or setting in a narrative. Example: "As the sun set, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, painting the horizon with hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As the sun set, the gunfire quieted.

The New Yorker

Juni as the sun set behind them.

The Guardian

Two hours later, as the sun set, we headed home.

The New York Times

That was going on as the sun set.

The New Yorker

The crickets had been singing lullabies as the sun set.

Independent

Intoxicated, we tarried there as the sun set.

The Guardian - Travel

He felt a "tinge of melancholy" as the sun set.

The New York Times - Arts

As the sun set, a kind of order prevailed, and the speeches began.

The New Yorker

As the sun set, a mob of whites began to gather around the church.

The New York Times

It was a wonderful sight, as the sun set over us.

The New York Times

My name is Horace Perkins, he thought just as the sun set.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the sun set" to create a vivid sense of time and place in your writing, especially when describing outdoor scenes or the end of a day. It adds a touch of imagery and can enhance the overall atmosphere of your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "as the sun set" in dialogue unless a character is specifically commenting on the sunset. It generally sounds unnatural in everyday conversation and is better suited for narrative descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the sun set" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, providing a time reference for the main clause. Ludwig confirms its grammatically correct and usable nature. It sets the scene and indicates when an action or event took place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the sun set" is a grammatically sound and frequently used temporal phrase, primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It effectively sets a scene, adding atmosphere and providing a time reference to the narrative. While versatile, avoid overuse in dialogue to maintain naturalness. Consider alternatives like "at sunset" or "as dusk fell" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at sunset

A more concise way of expressing the same time of day.

when the sun went down

Focuses on the action of the sun disappearing below the horizon.

as dusk fell

Emphasizes the dimming light and the arrival of twilight.

at close of day

A more formal and literary way to indicate the end of the day.

when evening arrived

Highlights the beginning of the evening period.

as night approached

Focuses on the coming of night and darkness.

with the setting sun

Highlights the visual aspect of the setting sun.

at twilight

Refers specifically to the period of fading light after sunset.

as day turned to night

Emphasizes the transition from daytime to nighttime.

when the day was done

A more figurative way to express the end of the day's activities.

FAQs

How can I use "as the sun set" in a sentence?

You can use "as the sun set" to describe actions or events that occurred during sunset. For example, "As the sun set, the sky turned orange" or "They finished their hike "as the sun set"".

What are some alternatives to "as the sun set"?

Alternatives include "at sunset", "as dusk fell", "when the sun went down", or "at twilight". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "as the sun set" or "at sunset"?

"As the sun set" describes an action happening during the process of the sun setting, while ""at sunset"" indicates a specific point in time. Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings.

What's the difference between "as the sun set" and "as the sun was setting"?

"As the sun set" implies the action occurred very close to the moment the sun was fully set. "As the sun was setting" indicates the action happened during the period when the sun was in the process of setting, which may have been a longer duration.