by the evening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the evening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a particular evening in the future. For example: "I hope to have finished the report by the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

By the evening Elisabeth was in even more severe pain and had started gasping for breath.

Wikipedia

Photograph by the Evening Standard/Getty.

The New Yorker

But by the evening of Jan.

The New York Times

"By the evening, they will crack".

The New York Times

By the evening I had reached Brixham.

The Guardian - Travel

By the evening, a military commander, Maj.

The New York Times

By the evening, she was very anxious.

The Guardian

By the evening I had totally changed.

The New York Times

By the evening the coup had failed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The new findings are largely in line with polling conducted by the Evening Standard.

Independent

The awards are organized by the Evening Standard, the British tabloid, and its owner, Evgeny Lebedev. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by the evening", consider your audience and the context. It's generally suitable for most situations, but more formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "by the close of business" or "by the end of the day."

Common error

Avoid assuming "by the evening" means exactly at sunset or a specific time. It encompasses the entire evening period, from late afternoon until night. Be clear if you intend a more precise time.

Linguistic Context

"By the evening" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a time frame. It modifies a verb or clause, specifying when an action is expected to be completed or an event is anticipated to occur. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “by the evening” is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that sets a deadline or expectation for an event or action to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While its register is neutral, it's crucial to be mindful of the intended meaning and whether a more specific time frame is needed. Alternatives such as “before nightfall” or “later in the day” can be used for subtle shifts in emphasis or formality. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use “by the evening” in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before nightfall

Focuses on the time before it gets dark, emphasizing the absence of light.

before dark

Emphasizes completing something before darkness sets in.

by suppertime

Relates the timing to a meal, making it more specific to dinner time.

later in the day

A more general phrase, indicating a time after the present but before the end of the day.

toward evening

Indicates a time leading up to the evening.

at dusk

Refers to the specific time when the sun is setting and the light is fading.

by twilight

Similar to 'at dusk', highlighting the dim light of the evening.

as evening approaches

Focuses on the transition from day to night.

in the late afternoon

Specifies a time slightly earlier than the evening, often around 3-5 pm.

by close of day

More formal, often used in business contexts to indicate a deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "by the evening" in a sentence?

You can use "by the evening" to indicate a deadline or expectation. For example, "I need to finish this report by the evening" or "The package should arrive by the evening".

What are some alternatives to using "by the evening"?

Alternatives include phrases like "before nightfall", "later in the day", or "at dusk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Does "by the evening" imply a specific time?

No, "by the evening" does not imply a specific time, but rather a general timeframe from late afternoon until night. If you need to specify a time, use something like "by 6 PM" instead.

Is "by the evening" formal or informal?

"By the evening" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal situations, phrases like "by the close of business" might be more appropriate.