at daybreak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at daybreak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time of day right as the sun is rising. Example Sentence: We left for our camping trip at daybreak.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Firing began at daybreak.

The New Yorker

At daybreak they began anew.

The New York Times

We open at daybreak.

The Guardian - Film

I left my building at daybreak.

The New Yorker

At daybreak the Germans attacked with tanks and infantry.

The New York Times

At daybreak, the smell of clover rises from low meadows.

The New Yorker

It was cloudy at daybreak, the wind was still.

The Guardian

At daybreak they hung themselves up in rows like bats.

The New Yorker

Performances start at daybreak and continue until late at night.

The Guardian

But of course you'll have to arrive at daybreak.

The New York Times - Magazine

The session lasted nearly 20 hours, ending at daybreak.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at daybreak" to evoke a sense of new beginnings or early morning activities. It adds a touch of formality and precision compared to simply saying "early morning".

Common error

Avoid using "at daybreak" interchangeably with "at dawn" or "at sunrise" in contexts where the specific timing matters. "At daybreak" is generally a period around sunrise, while the others pinpoint specific moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at daybreak" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action takes place. Ludwig's examples show it used to specify the timing of events, such as attacks, departures, and observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at daybreak" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the early morning time when the sun begins to rise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in News & Media, it's also present in Wiki and Encyclopedia entries. While similar to "at dawn" and "at sunrise", it is not as pinpoint specific as the others, and is used to describe events or activities occurring around sunrise. Use it to add a touch of precision, but be aware of its nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at dawn

Refers to the first light of day, similar to "at daybreak" but more poetic.

at first light

Emphasizes the initial appearance of daylight.

at sunrise

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

at crack of dawn

An informal idiom for very early in the morning.

as the sun comes up

Describes the sun's appearance from a descriptive point of view.

before sunrise

Indicates a period just prior to the sun's appearance.

early in the morning

A broader term, encompassing the hours soon after waking.

when the day begins

Focuses on the start of the day rather than a specific time.

with the rising sun

More figurative, emphasizing the sun's ascent.

in the early morning hours

Highlights the time frame shortly after midnight

FAQs

What does "at daybreak" mean?

"At daybreak" means at the time when the sun begins to appear in the morning; the start of the day.

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

You can use "at daybreak" to describe when an event occurs, such as: "The soldiers launched their attack "at daybreak"".

What can I say instead of "at daybreak"?

You can use alternatives like "at dawn", "at sunrise", or "early in the morning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "at daybreak" or "in daybreak"?

"At daybreak" is the correct prepositional phrase. "In daybreak" is not standard English.