in the sunset

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the sunset" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a moment near the end of the day in particular, when the sun is close to setting. For example, you could say "We watched as the birds flew away in the sunset".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The study population consisted of participants in the SUNSET study (Surinamese in the Netherlands: Study on health and Ethnicity) [ 19].

BMC Public Health

Peewee grew up in the Sunset.

The New Yorker

It glowed pink and orange in the sunset.

The New Yorker

You'd meet friends in the Sunset and go in there.

The Guardian

Her belly glows red in the sunset, impossibly round and swollen.

The New Yorker

The issues you tackle in "The Sunset Limited" don't come any bigger.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Tevis was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Sunset District.

Stanford University

I could feel the envy of every woman in the Sunset Tower".

Huffington Post

The lead in the Sunset League girls' soccer race belongs to one team this week.

Los Angeles Times

I believe we can compete in the Sunset League.

Los Angeles Times

She earned the Outstanding Attacker award in the Sunset League.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the sunset" to vividly describe scenes where the setting sun provides a backdrop or context, enhancing the imagery and emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the sunset" in overly sentimental or clichéd contexts. Instead, seek fresh and original ways to describe the scene, focusing on specific details and sensory experiences to create a more impactful image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the sunset" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying the time or setting of an action or state. It indicates when or where something occurs, adding descriptive detail and context to the sentence. As stated by Ludwig, this is a valid phrase often used to describe a moment near the end of the day.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the sunset" functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily used to set a scene or add emotional depth to a narrative by indicating the time or setting of an event. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a valid and commonly used phrase. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its purpose is to evoke vivid imagery and atmosphere. While grammatically correct, it's important to avoid overuse in clichéd scenarios. Alternatives such as "at dusk" or "during twilight" can offer fresh perspectives. Whether you're describing a romantic walk or the silhouette of cheetahs, using "in the sunset" effectively enhances your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at sundown

This alternative uses a single word to convey the time of day when the sun is setting, focusing on the event itself.

during twilight

This option emphasizes the period of dim light between day and night, highlighting the ambient conditions.

as the sun sets

This phrase describes the action of the sun disappearing below the horizon, focusing on the process.

in the evening glow

This alternative emphasizes the soft, warm light that is present during the sunset period.

under the setting sun

This option focuses on being positioned beneath the sun as it descends, highlighting the spatial relationship.

at close of day

This phrase provides a more formal and literary way of describing the end of the day, when the sun sets.

in the afterglow

This alternative refers to the light remaining after the sunset, extending the timeframe slightly.

during the golden hour

This phrase highlights the time of day when the light is particularly warm and flattering, a favorite among photographers.

at dusk

This single-word alternative denotes the time when the sun has almost completely set and the sky is darkening.

as day fades

This phrase describes the gradual disappearance of daylight as the sun sets, emphasizing the transition.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the sunset" to describe a time or setting. For example, "They walked hand-in-hand "in the sunset"" or "The mountains looked majestic "in the sunset"."

What are some alternatives to using "in the sunset"?

Some alternatives include "at dusk", "during twilight", or "as the sun sets", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at sunset" or "in the sunset"?

"At sunset" is typically used to denote a specific point in time (the moment the sun sets), while "in the sunset" describes a scene or activity occurring during the period when the sun is setting. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the context.

What does "in the sunset" symbolize?

The phrase "in the sunset" can symbolize endings, beauty, hope, reflection, or peace, depending on the context. The setting sun often evokes feelings of closure and new beginnings.