at sundown

USAGE SUMMARY

"at sundown" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time of day when the sun sets or when the sky starts to become dark. It is often used to describe a specific moment or event that occurs during this time. Example: The campers gathered around the fire at sundown to roast marshmallows and tell stories. In this sentence, "at sundown" is used to specify the time when the campers gathered around the fire. It helps to paint a clearer picture of the scene and add more detail to the writing. So, it can be used in any written piece where mentioning the time of day is relevant, such as in a story, article, or description.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Religion

Events

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thursday at sundown.

The New York Times

Outdoor lighting must be off at sundown.

The New York Times

The Jewish New Year begins at sundown.

The New York Times - Sports

It's over at sundown every day.

The New York Times - Sports

Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 21.

The New York Times

Then nothing until the evening meal at sundown.

The New York Times - Sports

And, of course, starting at sundown on Fridays, they rest.

The New Yorker

At sundown I composed myself and hit the road again.

The New York Times - Travel

This year, Ramadan is to begin at sundown on Sunday.

The New York Times

Others are making do, frantically scheduling private appointments with buyers and editors after Rosh Hashana, which begins at sundown Wednesday and ends at sundown Friday.

The New York Times

At sundown, a full bar was laid out under the stars.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at sundown" to specify an event or action occurring precisely when the sun is setting, lending a sense of time and atmosphere to your writing. For example, "The ceremony began at sundown, casting long shadows across the lawn."

Common error

Avoid using "at sundown" interchangeably with general evening times. "At sundown" refers specifically to the moment of sunset, not the entire period after sunset. Ensure the context aligns with this precise timing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at sundown" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when an event or action occurs. It modifies verbs or clauses, providing temporal context. The Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, clearly illustrating its function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Religion

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at sundown" is a common and grammatically sound way to specify that something occurs precisely when the sun is setting. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources. It functions as an adverbial phrase of time, often adding a touch of atmosphere or significance to the described event. While alternatives like "at dusk" or "at twilight" exist, "at sundown" precisely marks the moment of sunset. Remember to use it accurately to avoid confusion with broader evening timeframes. It is most frequently found in news, travel writing, and religious contexts, reflecting its usefulness in describing scheduled events, cultural practices, and scenic moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at dusk

Replaces "sundown" with a synonym referring to the period of twilight.

at twilight

Substitutes "sundown" with another term for the soft, diffused light after sunset.

at nightfall

Replaces "sundown" with a phrase emphasizing the beginning of night.

as the sun sets

Replaces the phrase with a descriptive clause about the sun's movement.

as darkness falls

Focuses on the arrival of darkness rather than the sunset itself.

in the evening

Offers a broader, less precise timeframe than "at sundown".

at close of day

A more formal and literary alternative.

when day turns to night

A more poetic and descriptive way of saying "at sundown".

when the sun dips below the horizon

A detailed, visual description of sundown.

at eventide

A somewhat archaic synonym for evening or twilight.

FAQs

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

Use "at sundown" to indicate an event or action that occurs exactly when the sun is setting. For example, "The concert will begin "at sundown", offering a beautiful backdrop."

What can I say instead of "at sundown"?

You can use alternatives like "at dusk", "at twilight", or "at nightfall" depending on the context.

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

"At sundown" is the correct prepositional usage. "In sundown" is grammatically incorrect.

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

"At sundown" refers specifically to the moment when the sun is setting, whereas "at night" refers to the entire period of darkness after sunset.