dawn of day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dawn of day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the early morning or the beginning of a new day, often with a poetic or metaphorical connotation. Example: "As the dawn of day broke over the horizon, the world was bathed in a soft golden light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The wretch who is driven out to labor at the dawn of day, and toils until the evening with the whip flourishing above his head, ought to be a poet," he wrote.

The New York Times

The sequence in which Ms. Kain learns Mr. Kylian's snaky pas de deux "No Sleep Till Dawn of Day," set to a Solomon Islands lullaby, is a triumph for all concerned, including the film editor, Michele Hozer.

The New York Times - Arts

"For 20 week he preach nothin' but golden candlesticks until he had them," says Proctor. "I labour the earth from dawn of day to blink of night �� When I look to heaven, and see my money glaring at his elbows, it hurt my prayer".

The Guardian

That the basic attitude of scientific research is discourse-centred rather than subject-centred was already emphasised by Nietzsche in Dawn of Day (1881/1980, § 547).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

I have often been awakened at the dawn of day by the most heart-rending shrieks of an own aunt of mine, whom he used to tie up to a joist, and whip upon her naked back till she was literally covered with blood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In the chilly dawn of Sunday morning a healthy young giraffe in a Danish zoo was given its favourite meal of rye bread by a keeper – and then shot in the head by a vet.

The Guardian

Before dawn of Monday, as they tried to clear the barricades from the streets, the security forces again engaged anti-government protesters in pitched battles involving tear gas and molotov cocktails.

The Guardian

In a tweet on the dawn of "implementation day", Zarif said: "It's now time for all – especially Muslim nations – to join hands and rid the world of violent extremism.

The Guardian

I expected more incidents during the night and for it to start up again on dawn of election day but, for some reason, this never happened".

Vice

Fat Tuesday, Carnaval of the Gilles, begins at dawn and continues through dawn of Ash Wednesday, marked by parades, dancing, orange-throwing, fireworks and plenty of alcohol consumption.

The New York Times - Travel

That line has largely been forgotten, and nothing symbolises it more than what occurred in the early dawn of Black Friday on Long Island, New York, as the door's to a local Wal-Mart opened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a simpler term like "daybreak" or "early morning" might be more appropriate for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "dawn of day" in contexts that require a modern or informal tone, as it can sound overly formal or out of place. Opt for phrases like "start of the day" or "early morning" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dawn of day" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe the beginning of a new day or a new era. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often carrying a poetic or metaphorical weight. The examples provided support its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dawn of day" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe the beginning of a new day or a new era. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, noting its frequent use in adding a poetic touch. While relatively uncommon, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. When considering alternatives, phrases like "daybreak" or "early morning" offer simpler options, while "first light" and "break of day" maintain a similar level of expressiveness. When using "dawn of day", be mindful of the intended tone to ensure it aligns with the context, as overuse in modern, informal settings may sound out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daybreak

A single word synonymous with the beginning of the day.

break of day

An alternative phrasing with similar meaning.

first light

Highlights the initial appearance of light.

early morning

Focuses on the time of day shortly after dawn.

dawning

A shorter, more poetic form referring to the start of day or a new beginning.

crack of dawn

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the very early start of the day.

sunrise

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the sun appearing.

start of the day

A more literal and less evocative way to describe the beginning of the day.

emergence of daylight

More descriptive and emphasizes the arrival of light.

aurora

Highlights the light phenomena at the beginning of the day.

FAQs

How can I use "dawn of day" in a sentence?

You can use "dawn of day" to describe the beginning of the day, often with a slightly poetic or formal tone. For example: "As the "dawn of day" broke, the birds began to sing."

What are some alternatives to "dawn of day"?

Alternatives include "daybreak", "early morning", or "break of day", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dawn of day" more formal than "daybreak"?

"Dawn of day" can be perceived as slightly more formal or archaic compared to "daybreak", which is a more commonly used and straightforward term.

When is it appropriate to use "dawn of day" instead of "sunrise"?

Use "dawn of day" when you want to emphasize the beginning of the day in a general or metaphorical sense. Use "sunrise" when you specifically want to refer to the moment the sun appears above the horizon.