at nighttime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at nighttime" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to the time late in the evening, when it is dark outside. For example, "I usually like to read books at nighttime before I go to bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At nighttime.

The New Yorker

"At nighttime, the neighborhood was less savory.

The New York Times

"People spend more money than at nighttime".

The New York Times

And at nighttime no lamps are lit.

The New York Times - Books

Miranda Lichtenstein also photographs suburban homes at nighttime.

The New York Times

"But don't worry, at nighttime it looks great".

The New York Times - Style

A term often used by people working at nighttime.

The Guardian

I go home at nighttime and I am just exhausted".

The New York Times

At nighttime, store your bouquet is a cool room.

The New York Times

At nighttime, she says, "Look at the stars.

The New Yorker

The overestimation is more evident at daytime than at nighttime.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at nighttime" to add a specific emphasis on the time when darkness prevails, especially when contrasting with daytime activities or conditions. This is good to do when wanting to create a slight sense of formality.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "at nighttime" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for the simpler "at night" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at nighttime" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time of an action or state. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at nighttime" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies the time of an action or state during the night. According to Ludwig, it is deemed correct and commonly used. While it is versatile, it can come across as slightly more formal than the simpler "at night". Its usage is prevalent across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and wikis. When aiming for a casual tone, consider alternatives like "at night" or "after dark".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at night

This is the simplest and most direct alternative, suitable for almost any context.

during the night

This is a more common and slightly more formal way of expressing the same idea.

in the nighttime

Adding "the" doesn't significantly alter the meaning, but it is slightly less common.

after dark

This phrase emphasizes the transition from daylight to darkness.

throughout the night

This emphasizes the entire duration of the night.

in darkness

This emphasizes the absence of light rather than the time of day.

during hours of darkness

A more formal and descriptive way to refer to the night period.

when night falls

This phrase is more literary and emphasizes the beginning of night.

in the late hours

This phrase focuses on the later part of the night.

under the cover of night

This phrase suggests secrecy or concealment during the night.

FAQs

What's the difference between "at night" and "at nighttime"?

While both phrases refer to the period of darkness, "at night" is more common and general. "At nighttime" can emphasize the darkness or a specific activity done during the night. The choice depends on the desired nuance and formality.

Is it more correct to say "at night" or "at nighttime"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "At night" is generally preferred for its simplicity and broader applicability. "At nighttime" can be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "at nighttime" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, use alternatives like "at night" or "after dark". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of informality.

How do I use "at nighttime" in a sentence?

"At nighttime" is used as a prepositional phrase to indicate when something occurs during the night. For example, "The stars are visible at nighttime" or "Security patrols increase at nighttime".