dusk was setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dusk was setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time of day when the sun is going down and darkness is beginning to fall. Example: "As the evening progressed, the sky turned a deep orange, and dusk was setting, casting long shadows across the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Separated into three sections, this dance, for four couples, began as dusk was setting in.

The New York Times - Arts

Dusk was setting in here, and Sergeant Davis was wrapping up a counter-sniper mission when he spotted an armed Iraqi on a rooftop about 300 yards away.

The New York Times

Dusk was setting when we reached Ngomashi, the first stop and where we would spend the night.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

{1}Petzl Tikka2 Headlamp: £25, millets.co.uk This head-torch is perfect for those taking to the trail when dusk is setting in.

Independent

Jim Wellman's upcoming album, "Dawn to Dusk," is set to be released on February 29th.

Huffington Post

Overhead, a computer-controlled artificial blue sky was set to dusk.

The Guardian - Business

This afternoon, an Interior Ministry building where identity cards were issued was set alight, and at dusk three thick black plumes of smoke hung over the nearby Tigris.

The New York Times

To be precise, on the dawn side it was set to 17.85 kV, and at the dusk side to −17.85 kV.

Earth, Planets and Space

Dusk was settling on New Canaan.

The New York Times

Traps were set at dusk and checked at dawn.

Animal Behaviour

Sherman folding traps were set at dusk, baited with crimped oats and checked the following morning.

Biology Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dusk was setting" to create a vivid image of the transition from day to night, setting a scene in literature or descriptive writing. It suggests a gradual change, allowing for a sense of anticipation or reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "dusk was setting" when you mean dawn. Dusk refers to the period when the sun is going down, whereas dawn is when the sun is rising. Ensure your description accurately reflects the time of day.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dusk was setting" functions as a descriptive element, specifically depicting the transition from daylight to night. It provides a temporal context, often used to set the scene in narratives or descriptive passages. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from dance performances to military operations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dusk was setting" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe the transition from day to night. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, noting its usage in contexts ranging from artistic performances to everyday observations. While not exceedingly common, it is recognized and understood across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. Consider using alternatives like "twilight was arriving" to vary your writing. Avoid confusing dusk with dawn to ensure clarity in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twilight was arriving

Replaces "dusk" with "twilight" and "setting" with "arriving", focusing on the gradual approach of twilight.

evening was approaching

Substitutes "dusk" with "evening" and "setting" with "approaching", highlighting the progression towards evening.

nightfall was beginning

Replaces the entire phrase with a description of nightfall's commencement, shifting the focus to the start of night.

daylight was fading

Focuses on the decrease in daylight, using "fading" instead of "setting" to emphasize the diminishing light.

the sun was going down

Describes the sun's descent, offering a more literal description of the setting sun.

darkness was creeping in

Highlights the gradual encroachment of darkness, replacing the original phrase with a more figurative description.

the light was diminishing

Emphasizes the reduction of light, using "diminishing" to convey the fading of daylight.

shadows were lengthening

Focuses on the effect of the setting sun, where shadows become more extended.

the day was ending

Describes the completion of the day, broader in scope than just the setting of dusk.

night was drawing near

Indicates the imminent arrival of night, shifting the focus to the anticipation of nighttime.

FAQs

What does "dusk was setting" mean?

The phrase "dusk was setting" describes the time of day when daylight is fading and night is approaching. It evokes a sense of transition from day to night.

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

You can use alternatives like "twilight was arriving", "evening was approaching", or "nightfall was beginning" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "dusk was setting"?

Yes, "dusk was setting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the transition from daylight to night.

What is the difference between "dusk was setting" and "dusk was falling"?

While both phrases are similar, "dusk was setting" emphasizes the gradual nature of the sun disappearing below the horizon, while "dusk was falling" suggests a more encompassing descent of darkness.