dusk has fallen

USAGE SUMMARY

"Dusk has fallen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the time of day when the sky begins to become dark, for example: The birds had already begun to sing as dusk had fallen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

By the time we reach the northern side of the gorge, dusk has fallen.

The Guardian - Travel

Dusk has fallen on the sleepy New Zealand farming township of Kurow and at the eponymous hotel there is only one topic of conversation.

The Guardian

Dusk has fallen, pedestrian lights turn green and a wave of humanity converges in the middle of the five-way intersection before dispersing again in all directions.

BBC

"I just found a soft seat". Outside, beyond the twinkling window sequins, dusk has fallen over the prairie, and car headlights can be seen shuttling back and forth along Price Road.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Dusk had fallen.

The New York Times

Dusk had fallen, and his playing rippled gorgeously through the overheated building.

The Guardian

Dusk had fallen by now; the dogs and their walkers had come and gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

After the rally had ended and dusk had fallen, fires appeared on the roadside in the nearby settlement of Mmaditlokwe, where residents – who had been forcibly relocated there from another platinum mine – were protesting at their lack of services.

The Guardian

Dusk had fallen when I opened the shutters at 5 30, and the stores below my double-glazed windows were just reopening after a siesta almost as long as my own.

The New York Times - Travel

Look out for bats, particularly at dusk, and although moth numbers have fallen since the end of summer there are still enough to make putting out a moth trap well worth while.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Each side's front line was constantly under observation by snipers and lookouts during daylight; movement was therefore restricted until after the dusk stand-to and night had fallen.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dusk has fallen" to create a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing, emphasizing a sense of closure or transition. It's often more evocative than simply stating "it's dark".

Common error

Avoid using "dusk has fallen" in highly technical or scientific writing where a more precise description of time (e.g., "18:00 hours") would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dusk has fallen" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the completion of the transition from daylight to darkness. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dusk has fallen" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe the end of daylight and the arrival of darkness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While infrequent, its presence in reputable sources and its clear descriptive function make it a useful phrase for setting a scene or conveying a sense of transition. Consider alternatives like "night has arrived" or "evening has descended" for variations in tone and formality. It is essential to avoid overuse in technical writing, where a more precise time reference might be necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

night has arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of night rather than the gradual transition of dusk.

night is here

A more direct statement that night has arrived.

darkness has set in

Highlights the increasing darkness.

evening has descended

More formal and poetic, highlighting the descent of evening.

daylight has faded

Focuses on the reduction of daylight.

twilight has come

Focuses specifically on the twilight period.

shadows have lengthened

Describes the visual effect of the setting sun.

the sun has set

States the astronomical event that causes dusk.

the light has gone

Simple and direct description of diminishing light.

it has gotten dark

More colloquial way to express the coming of night.

FAQs

What does "dusk has fallen" mean?

The phrase "dusk has fallen" describes the time of day when daylight is fading and darkness is setting in. It suggests that the transition from day to night is complete.

What can I say instead of "dusk has fallen"?

You can use alternatives like "night has arrived", "evening has descended", or "the sun has set" depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "dusk has fallen" or "dusk had fallen"?

"Dusk has fallen" implies the event is recent or ongoing, while "dusk had fallen" refers to a time prior to another event in the past. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context.

Can "dusk has fallen" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "dusk has fallen" can be used metaphorically to describe the end of a period or era, suggesting a transition to a less vibrant or active state.