close to sunset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to sunset" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time period that is near the end of the day when the sun is setting. Example: "We decided to take a walk along the beach, close to sunset, to enjoy the beautiful colors in the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You boys ever seen birds do anything like that?" Hector asked, close to sunset.

The New Yorker

Classic site The golden-domed Cádiz cathedral is best seen close to sunset from the sea wall along Campo del Sur – followed (if you can there in time) by a sundowner at nearby Playa de la Caleta.

The Guardian - Travel

Every full moon, you should act worried, like you're going to be late for something, keep checking the clock, especially when it gets close to sunset.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I was at the stage when I was counting the minutes to get through a certain time so Come Dine With Me was great because I could watch it and be half an hour closer to sunset.

The Guardian - Books

In Los Angeles, he occupies a compound so large it spreads across a city block close to Sunset Boulevard, patrolled by security guards who span the perimeter by golf cart.

Independent

You'll need to take your sweet time finding the best spot, and you will face the madness of the crowds if you are not booking a premium location like Santo Maris (which is wonderfully close to the Sunset Serenade point).

Huffington Post

Diffuse transmission is also observed as the primary component close to sunrise and sunset as expected.

Planetary and Space Science

The Doppler shift of this trace became increasingly more negative during the PSSR of the F layer, and reached a maximum value around 1830 UT (indicated by a downward-pointing red arrow), which is close to E-region sunset (SS E ).

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

The need for visual signaling and social interactions under the best conditions of the eagle owl daily cycle could represent an alternative, or at least not mutually exclusive, to the proposed [20], [21] but controversial [22] acoustic transmission hypothesis, which predicts that birds are merely taking advantage of better sound propagation close to sunrise and sunset.

Plosone

"I know, baby," he invariably replied, but she didn't know what to do next to nudge things closer to a sunset wedding.

The New Yorker

Photograph by Gilles Peress / Magnum "I know, baby," he invariably replied, but she didn't know what to do next to nudge things closer to a sunset wedding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to sunset" when you want to convey a sense of imminence or proximity to the event of sunset, suggesting a specific time frame that is almost upon you.

Common error

Avoid using "close to sunset" when you intend to specify the exact moment of sunset. Instead, use "at sunset" to pinpoint the precise time of the sun's descent below the horizon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to sunset" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurs. It specifies a period shortly before sunset. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to sunset" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a time shortly before the sun sets. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including news, science and wiki articles. When writing, make sure to use it to convey a sense of imminence before the actual sunset occurs. While semantically related phrases like "nearing sunset" or "around dusk" can be used interchangeably, ensure the context is suitable. To prevent possible ambiguity make sure you don't misunderstand implication of time. Avoid using "close to sunset" when you intend to specify the exact moment of sunset. Instead, use "at sunset" to pinpoint the precise time of the sun's descent below the horizon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing sunset

Emphasizes the process of approaching sunset.

approaching sundown

Uses a more descriptive term for sunset, adding a touch of poetic imagery.

as sunset nears

Highlights the ongoing progression toward sunset.

around dusk

Refers to the period of twilight at the end of the day, similar to sunset.

before nightfall

Focuses on the transition from day to night, immediately preceding darkness.

at twilight's edge

Evokes a sense of beauty and the fleeting nature of twilight.

when day transitions to night

Describes the shift from daylight to nighttime.

as evening approaches

Broadly indicates the latter part of the day, leading up to night.

in the late afternoon

Refers to the period just before evening.

at the end of the day

A general way to indicate the conclusion of daylight hours.

FAQs

How can I use "close to sunset" in a sentence?

You can use "close to sunset" to describe activities or events that occur shortly before the sun sets. For example, "We took a walk on the beach "close to sunset" to enjoy the beautiful view."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "close to sunset"?

Some alternatives include "nearing sunset", "approaching sundown", or "around dusk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "close to sunset" or "near sunset"?

Both "close to sunset" and "near sunset" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What is the difference between "close to sunset" and "at sunset"?

"Close to sunset" indicates a time period just before the sun sets, while "at sunset" refers to the precise moment when the sun disappears below the horizon.