at about midnight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at about midnight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a time that is approximately around midnight, often in storytelling or when recounting events. Example: "The party ended at about midnight, and everyone started to head home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She usually went to bed at about midnight.

The New Yorker

"I'm exhausted," he said between air kisses at about midnight.

The New York Times

He was hanged at about midnight on 31 May.

The Guardian

Piazza spoke at about midnight in a press room.

The New York Times - Sports

The rescue mission was launched at about midnight Iraqi time.

The New York Times

At about midnight, Mrs. Rosenbloom appeared on the rooftop.

The New York Times

She chose Tool's Lateralus, which hits at about midnight.

The Guardian

He said he made the decision at about midnight Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

He had dinner, mounted his horse, and, at about midnight, galloped away.

The New Yorker

At about midnight, the van pulled up to a rest stop near a Sinopec gas station.

The New York Times

When Derrick showed up, at about midnight, we stood around outside.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a time "at about midnight", ensure it aligns with the context. For example, in legal documents, a more precise time might be necessary, while in storytelling, approximation suffices.

Common error

Avoid being overly precise when "at about midnight" is sufficient. Saying "11:58 PM" when "at about midnight" would fit better can sound stilted or overly formal in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at about midnight" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when an event occurs. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating the approximate time of an action or state. Ludwig provides multiple examples demonstrating its use in various sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at about midnight" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase denoting an approximate time close to midnight. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequency. It's primarily used in neutral contexts like news and media to provide a general timeframe for events. While precise alternatives exist, "at about midnight" offers a balance of clarity and informality. When using this phrase, remember to prioritize clarity and contextual appropriateness over unnecessary precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around midnight

Slightly more general, indicating proximity to midnight without specifying a direction.

approximately midnight

Formally indicates an estimation of the time being midnight.

close to midnight

Emphasizes that the time is near to midnight.

near midnight

Similar to "close to midnight", but slightly less emphatic.

in the vicinity of midnight

More formal and emphasizes the surrounding time period.

at the stroke of twelve

Refers specifically to the moment when it becomes midnight.

about 12 am

Uses the numerical representation with 'am' to denote the time around midnight.

roughly midnight

Indicates that the time is estimated to be midnight.

by midnight

Implies that something happens before or at the deadline of midnight.

just before midnight

Suggests a time very shortly before the exact moment of midnight.

FAQs

What does "at about midnight" mean?

The phrase "at about midnight" means around 12:00 AM, indicating an approximate time close to the start of a new day. It implies that the exact time is not crucial, but it's near the transition between one day and the next.

What are some alternatives to "at about midnight"?

You can use alternatives like "around midnight", "approximately midnight", or "close to midnight" depending on the desired level of formality and precision.

Is it correct to say "at about midnight"?

Yes, the phrase "at about midnight" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources.

Is there a difference between "at midnight" and "at about midnight"?

Yes, "at midnight" refers to the precise moment when one day ends and another begins (12:00 AM), while "at about midnight" indicates a time near midnight but not necessarily exactly at 12:00 AM. It implies an approximation.