forenoon

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "forenoon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "forenoon" to refer to the period of time in the morning, generally between sunrise and noon. Example sentence: I have a meeting at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Even after this forenoon of meaningless carnage, the killing would not stop.

Independent

A Madison Avenue bus was lunging down through the Forties o on a steamy forenoon last week, and one of the passengers, damp and excited, rang the bell some half-dozen times for the Forty-fourth Street stop.

The New Yorker

One forenoon when they are in the apartment together he wonders how he will end it as she seems so possessive.

The New Yorker

Another remembered, "There were early morning drills, before breakfast, forenoon drills, afternoon drills, evening and night drills, beside guard mounting and dress parades".

The New York Times

Finally, Moura gave him a forenoon appointment at the grave of Proust, the one place he could be assured they would be guaranteed fresh air and privacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Throughout the forenoon today the grand quadrangle was visited by a number of residents, groups of spectators collecting at the base of the Round Tower and watching the principal entrance to obtain a glimpse of Her Majesty whenever she might leave the palace.

The Guardian

This took place in the forenoon.

The Guardian

MacArthur didn't make the forenoon go any easier for us.

The New Yorker

It Kills the better part of a forenoon.

The New Yorker

By Charles Cooke and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, July 30 , 1938P. 7 A Madison Avenue bus was lunging down through the Forties o on a steamy forenoon last week, and one of the passengers, damp and excited, rang the bell some half-dozen times for the Forty-fourth Street stop.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But when training was restricted to forenoons the days seemed interminable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For modern writing, consider using "morning" as a more common and readily understood substitute for "forenoon".

Common error

Avoid using "forenoon" excessively in contemporary writing, as it can sound archaic or overly formal. Modern readers might find it less natural than the simpler term "morning".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forenoon" is as a noun, referring to the period of time between dawn and noon. Ludwig indicates that the word is grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "forenoon" is a grammatically sound and acceptable term for the period between dawn and noon. While perfectly valid, Ludwig indicates that "forenoon" is less commonly used in contemporary English than the word "morning". Therefore, choosing "forenoon" can impart a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone to your writing. The examples, derived primarily from sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian, illustrate its usage across various contexts. Consider your audience and desired tone when choosing between "forenoon" and more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before noon

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the time before midday.

morning hours

Focuses on the hours within the morning, rather than the period itself.

morning period

A more formal way of referring to the morning.

early hours

Emphasizes the beginning of the day.

daybreak to midday

Describes the morning period as the transition from daybreak to the middle of the day.

a.m. hours

Specifically denotes the time using the ante meridiem designation.

dawn to twelve

Specifies the beginning and end points of the morning.

early daylight hours

Highlights the presence of daylight during the morning period.

the first part of the day

A general description of the morning.

prime of the morning

Emphasizes the most active or vibrant part of the morning.

FAQs

How can I use "forenoon" in a sentence?

You can use "forenoon" to refer to the time between dawn and noon. For example, "The meeting is scheduled for ten o'clock in the "morning" or "I'll finish the report before the "midday"."

What is the difference between "forenoon" and "morning"?

"Forenoon" is a slightly more formal and less common term for "morning", specifically referring to the period between dawn and noon. While "morning" is more widely used in contemporary English, "forenoon" might be chosen for stylistic effect or to evoke a particular era.

What can I say instead of "forenoon"?

You can use alternatives like ""morning"", "morning hours", or "before noon" depending on the context.

Is "forenoon" still used in modern English?

Yes, "forenoon" is still used in modern English, although it is less common than "morning". Its use tends to add a more formal or slightly old-fashioned tone to writing or speech.