dusk was approaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dusk was approaching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time of day when the sun is setting and darkness is beginning to fall. Example: "As we walked through the forest, we noticed that dusk was approaching, casting long shadows on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In London, dusk was approaching.

The New Yorker

They quit as dusk was approaching, with a line of customers they did not have time for.

The New York Times

Dusk was approaching as I crept through the vast empty property, half-expecting a guard to grab me by the collar.

The New York Times - Travel

On 15 December, when dusk was approaching, Stephen sent smaller detachments that set the town on fire from three different places: thereafter, noise and confusion set in. Stephen ordered his men to dismount and soon after they launched their attack and made battle until dawn.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The third time, like on that game show where you can phone your friend for help with the answer, I brought a friend with me, but by that time it was approaching dusk, and it felt too late, so I went home to my Hungry Man frozen dinner and watched Caitlin on her show I am Cait say 'Face your fear, baby.

Huffington Post

I'm waiting for O'Reilly to bait his next white guest into admitting that he or she is uncomfortable walking down the street at dusk and being approached by three "hip-hop dressed" African-American teens.

Huffington Post

Dusk was fast approaching.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's hard to resist reading between the lines, and concluding that dusk was fast approaching for the theory of divine illumination.

SEP

An hour after the last rangers left, while dusk was falling, the Twiggs brothers approached two tourists, who had stopped their rental car to admire the view.

The New Yorker

Dusk was coming.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dusk was settling on New Canaan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dusk was approaching" to create a sense of atmosphere and foreshadow events in narrative writing. It sets a specific time and mood, often suggesting a transition or change.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple descriptive phrases together. Using "dusk was approaching, shadows lengthened, and the air grew cold" can become repetitive. Choose the most evocative detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dusk was approaching" functions as an introductory element in a sentence, often setting the scene or indicating the time of day. It is used to provide context and create a specific atmosphere. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dusk was approaching" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively conveys the nearing of dusk. Ludwig highlights its applicability in various contexts, though it's most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While "dusk was approaching" isn't exceptionally common, it serves as a descriptive element to set a scene or indicate the passage of time. Considering alternative phrases like "nightfall was imminent" can help diversify your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of the surrounding context to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nightfall was imminent

Emphasizes the impending arrival of night.

Twilight was setting in

Focuses on the soft, fading light of twilight.

Evening was drawing near

Highlights the approach of evening.

Darkness was falling

Stresses the increasing darkness.

The sun was setting

Describes the specific action of the sun disappearing below the horizon.

Daylight was fading

Emphasizes the decrease in light.

The shadows were lengthening

Focuses on the visual effect of approaching darkness.

The light was dimming

Describes the gradual reduction of light.

The close of day was near

A more formal way to express the end of the day.

The sun was going down

A simple and direct way of describing sunset.

FAQs

What does "dusk was approaching" mean?

The phrase "dusk was approaching" means that the time of day was nearing dusk, the period between daylight and darkness when the sun is setting.

What can I say instead of "dusk was approaching"?

You can use alternatives like "nightfall was imminent", "twilight was setting in", or "evening was drawing near" depending on the context.

Is "dusk was approaching" formal or informal?

"Dusk was approaching" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How can I use "dusk was approaching" in a sentence?

You can use "dusk was approaching" to describe the setting of a story or to indicate the passage of time, as in, "As we hiked through the mountains, dusk was approaching, and we knew we had to find shelter soon."