in the evening

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the evening" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe a time in the later afternoon or early night. For example, "I like to relax in the evening by taking a walk around the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the evening, he took control.

The New Yorker

It was in the evening, in London.

The New York Times

In the evening, the trek was reversed.

The New York Times

The dishwasher repairman returned in the evening.

The New Yorker

(2007) In the evening, she went home.

The New Yorker

In the evening, the frog chorus swelled.

The Economist

Nothing to do in the evening.

The New York Times

Several more bombs exploded in the evening.

The New Yorker

LinkedIn announces results in the evening.

The New York Times

In the evening, the children watched fireworks.

The New Yorker

Repeat in the evening.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the evening" to set the scene or time frame for storytelling, providing a common reference point for when events take place. This helps readers or listeners easily understand the sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "in the evening" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by using alternatives like "at night", "after sunset", or specifying a time such as "around 7 PM" to maintain reader engagement.

How to use

Learn how to use "in the evening" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the evening" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when an action or event occurs. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it modifying verbs to indicate timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the evening" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate when something happens during the later part of the day. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It functions as an adverbial phrase of time, adding temporal context to sentences. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "at night" or specific times for variety. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a range of writing styles. Predominantly featured in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources, its widespread usage underscores its importance as an everyday expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the evening hours

Expands on "in the evening" to specify a period within the evening.

come evening

Emphasizes the arrival of evening and the events that follow.

after dusk

Specifies the time after the sun has set but before it is fully dark.

toward nightfall

Implies that something is happening as the evening is approaching.

at close of day

Replaces "in the evening" with a more formal or reflective expression for the end of the day.

at eventide

Replaces "in the evening" with a more poetic or literary term for the same time of day.

in the twilight hours

Highlights the period of fading light in the evening.

as night falls

Indicates the beginning of the evening, emphasizing the transition from day to night.

by night

Provides a simple substitute, focusing on the nighttime aspect of the evening.

later in the day

Offers a broader alternative, encompassing both late afternoon and early evening.

FAQs

How can I use "in the evening" in a sentence?

You can use "in the evening" to specify when an event takes place, such as, "I like to relax "in the evening" by reading a book".

What's a more formal alternative to "in the evening"?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "at eventide" or "during the evening hours".

Is it redundant to say "in the evening time"?

Yes, saying "in the evening time" is generally considered redundant. "In the evening" already implies a specific time, so adding "time" is unnecessary.

What is the difference between "in the evening" and "at night"?

"In the evening" generally refers to the earlier part of the night, closer to sunset, while "at night" encompasses the entire period of darkness.