at dawn

USAGE SUMMARY

"at dawn" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the time of day when the sun rises, usually at the beginning of the day. For example, "Every morning at dawn, I take my dog for a walk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pistols at dawn.

The New Yorker

At dawn, Avraham died.

The New Yorker

Frost at dawn.

The New Yorker

Roosters crow at dawn.

The New York Times

Awakening at dawn thirty-.

The New Yorker

He fell asleep at dawn.

The New York Times

Duquet woke at dawn, shivering.

The New Yorker

"At dawn, I will win!

The New York Times

They had appeared at dawn.

The New Yorker

Brollies at dawn were acceptable.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Very handbags-at-dawn.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at dawn" to create a sense of immediacy or to emphasize the start of an event or activity.

Common error

While "at dawn" is widely accepted, overuse in formal documents can make writing sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "early in the morning" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"At dawn" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the time an action occurs. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to set the scene or indicate the timing of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at dawn" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that functions as an adverbial to indicate the time an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for referring to the time of day when the sun rises. It's prevalent in news, media, and academic contexts, carrying a neutral to slightly literary tone. While versatile, consider using more neutral alternatives in highly formal contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at daybreak

Emphasizes the breaking of the day and the start of daylight.

at first light

Another way to emphasize the initial appearance of daylight.

at sunrise

Specifically refers to the moment the sun appears above the horizon.

with the first light

Highlights the appearance of light at the beginning of the day.

before sunrise

Refers to a time shortly preceding the actual sunrise.

as the sun rises

Describes the event of sunrise rather than a specific time.

when the day breaks

Emphasizes the transition from night to day.

early in the morning

A more general way to indicate a time period at the beginning of the day.

in the early morning hours

Focuses on the period encompassing the hours just before and after dawn.

in the wee hours

Indicates the very early hours of the morning, close to dawn.

FAQs

How can I use "at dawn" in a sentence?

You can use "at dawn" to describe when something happens, such as "The soldiers attacked "at dawn"" or "I wake up "at dawn" to go running".

What are some phrases similar to "at dawn"?

Alternatives include "at daybreak", "at sunrise", or "early in the morning". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "at dawn" formal or informal?

"At dawn" is generally considered neutral but can sometimes carry a slightly literary or evocative tone. It's suitable for most contexts, but consider your audience and the overall formality of your writing.

Which is more precise, "at dawn" or "at sunrise"?

"At sunrise" is more precise, referring specifically to the moment the sun appears. "At dawn" refers to the general period when the light begins to appear, which can be slightly before sunrise.