at around midnight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at around midnight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximate time during the night, typically when referring to events or actions that occur close to midnight. Example: "The party started at around midnight, and the atmosphere was electric."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was on a Saturday night at around midnight.

The New Yorker

I ring the restaurant at 7am and finish at around midnight.

The Guardian

Did I vote for you?" At around midnight, thousands of people gathered to watch the U.N. vote on large screens set up outside the courthouse in Benghazi.

The New Yorker

The group reached Fort Hamilton at around midnight on June 15.

Wikipedia

He arrived at around midnight.

The New Yorker

At around midnight he showed up.

The New York Times

He noted that the snow stopped at around midnight.

The Washington Post

It lost contact with ground controllers at around midnight.

The Guardian

At around midnight, Mr. de Blasio offered $25 million.

The New York Times

And at around midnight each night, the power would fail.

The Guardian

At around midnight French security forces raided the venue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at around midnight", ensure the context clearly indicates which day you are referring to, especially if the event spans across two days.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying the date if the event occurs close to midnight to prevent confusion about which day is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at around midnight" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb by specifying when an action occurs. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at around midnight" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a time approximately at midnight. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile, appearing across various contexts, including news, media, and scientific publications. While precise timing might sometimes be needed, using "at around midnight" is useful when an approximate time near the end of the day is sufficient. Remember to clearly specify the date to avoid any ambiguity regarding the day being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Around 12 a.m.

Specifies the time using the 12-hour clock format, making it slightly more precise.

Near midnight

Uses 'near' instead of 'around', indicating a time close to midnight.

Close to midnight

Replaces 'around' with 'close to', offering a similar meaning.

About midnight

Uses 'about' instead of 'around', suggesting an approximate time.

In the vicinity of midnight

More formal way of saying 'around midnight'.

Towards midnight

Indicates the time is approaching midnight.

Shortly before midnight

Specifies that the time is just before midnight.

Shortly after midnight

Specifies that the time is just after midnight.

Late in the evening

A broader time frame, not as precise as "at around midnight".

In the wee hours

Refers to the early hours of the morning, including the time around midnight.

FAQs

How do I use "at around midnight" in a sentence?

Use "at around midnight" to indicate an approximate time near the end of the day. For example, "The negotiations concluded "at around midnight" after a long day of discussions."

What are some alternatives to saying "at around midnight"?

You can use phrases like "near midnight", "close to midnight", or "about midnight" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "at midnight" or "at around midnight"?

"At midnight" suggests a precise time, while "at around midnight" implies an approximation. The choice depends on the level of precision needed in your statement.

What's the difference between "at around midnight" and "late at night"?

"At around midnight" refers to a specific time frame, whereas "late at night" is a more general term indicating any time after the usual evening hours but before dawn. "At around midnight" is more precise.