by sundown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by sundown" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a deadline or a specific time by which something should be completed, usually referring to the end of the day when the sun sets. Example: "Please submit your report by sundown to ensure we can review it before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The restaurants close by sundown, anyway.

The New York Times

I.D.A. staff urges prompt approval by sundown today.

The New York Times

A young digital illustrator from Australia -- who'd be calling me "Mum" by sundown -- broke the ice.

The New York Times

By sundown, we'd built a nearly level platform and nailed up dead branches for railings.

The New York Times

It is now 4 p.m. and we are still running fast to finish by sundown.

The New York Times

But no one from Crawford was invited, and by sundown Main Street was empty.

The New Yorker

By sundown on Saturday, when the Sabbath ended, settlers were grieving and seething.

The New York Times

Three families left and were let back into their homes by sundown.

The New York Times

The next day, the Ambassador of Cameroon moved that Israel be expelled by sundown.

The New Yorker

But by sundown, we would eagerly retrace our steps back to the Zenith.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A backhanded compliment, if that, but hardly the stuff of an out-of-town-by-sundown ultimatum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is paramount, supplement "by sundown" with a specific time. This avoids ambiguity, as the exact time of sundown varies by location and time of year.

Common error

Avoid using "by sundown" in contexts where your audience might not be familiar with the term or its implications. In international or technical communication, prefer using specific times or more universally understood phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by sundown" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a time limit or deadline. It modifies a verb or clause, specifying when an action should be completed. Ludwig AI provides many examples where the phrase is used to set a clear deadline before the end of the day.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Travel

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by sundown" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase to express a deadline occurring before sunset. Ludwig AI examples show that it is most commonly found in News & Media and Travel contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While it sets a clear time constraint, specifying an exact time alongside "by sundown" ensures clarity, as the precise time of sunset varies. Consider using alternatives like "before sunset" or "by nightfall" to vary your writing. However, be mindful of your audience's understanding of the term, especially in international or technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before sunset

Replaces "sundown" with its direct synonym, maintaining the same meaning but altering the specific word choice.

by nightfall

Substitutes "sundown" with another term that signifies the end of daylight, preserving the sense of urgency related to the setting sun.

before dark

Similar to "by nightfall", this emphasizes the period before darkness fully sets in, keeping the natural temporal marker but using simpler wording.

by the time the sun sets

A more descriptive and literal restatement of the original phrase, which can be useful for adding emphasis or clarity.

by the end of the day

Offers a more general way to indicate a deadline occurring at the close of the day, losing the specific imagery of "sundown".

before twilight

Indicates a time before the full darkness of night, preserving a natural temporal marker but highlighting the softer light of the setting sun.

at dusk

Refers to the specific time of day when the sun is setting, which focuses on the moment rather than a deadline leading up to it.

before the day is out

This idiom suggests completing something before the day concludes, lacking the direct tie to sunset but conveying a sense of urgency.

by close of business

Primarily used in professional contexts, this implies finishing a task before the end of the working day rather than the literal sunset.

by eventide

A more archaic and poetic synonym for "sundown", suitable for literary or creative writing but less common in everyday speech.

FAQs

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

You can use "by sundown" to indicate a deadline or the latest time something should be completed. For example, "The project needs to be finished "by sundown"." or "Ensure all equipment is packed "by sundown"."

What does "by sundown" mean?

"By sundown" means before the end of the day, specifically before the sun sets. It is used to set a deadline or timeframe that ends at the time of sunset.

Which is more precise, "by the end of the day" or "by sundown"?

"By sundown" is often considered more evocative but less precise than "by the end of the day". End of the day could mean before midnight, whereas "by sundown" refers specifically to the time of sunset. For exact deadlines, it's best to specify a time.

What can I say instead of "by sundown"?

You can use alternatives like "before sunset", "by nightfall", or "by the end of the day" depending on the context.