it is dusk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is dusk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the time of day when the sun has set and the sky is beginning to darken. Example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed that it is dusk, and the streetlights began to flicker on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is dusk.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is dusk, or dawn, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Guardian - Arts

To know when it's reverently rolled up is to know when it is dusk.

The New York Times

It is dusk as everyone makes small talk, and brightly lit boats zip up and down the river.

The Economist

By the time I've finished a perfect scone with Devonshire cream and four petits fours, it is dusk, and Manhattan is ablaze.

The New York Times

It is dusk now, with the last sunrays glimmering on the water, and there's only a short stroll between us and the U6 metro line home.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

A woman with the windows rolled up later told police "it was dusk and hard to see," after making an illegal left turn into my leg.

Vice

It was dusk.

The New York Times

It was dusk in Prospect Park.

The New Yorker

It was dusk, hot and sticky.

The New Yorker

It was dusk, and he had won.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is dusk" to set a specific mood or atmosphere in your writing, especially when describing outdoor scenes or transitions between day and night. The phrase evokes a sense of calm, mystery, or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "it is dusk" interchangeably with phrases like "it is dawn" or "it is twilight" without considering the actual time of day. "It is dusk" specifically refers to the period after sunset but before complete darkness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is dusk" functions as a statement of time, specifically identifying the period immediately following sunset. As noted by Ludwig, this is a valid and descriptive expression. Examples show it used to set the scene or convey a specific atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is dusk" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the time shortly after sunset. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase serves to inform and set a mood, often of calm or mystery. While interchangeable with alternatives like "twilight is falling" or "evening is approaching", "it is dusk" offers a specific nuance related to the fading of light. The key is to ensure its accurate use in relation to the actual time of day.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's getting dark

A simpler, more direct way of saying it.

twilight is falling

Focuses on the action of twilight's arrival.

evening is approaching

Emphasizes the nearness of the evening period.

night is coming

Highlights the impending arrival of night.

the light is fading

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of light.

the sun is setting

Describes the specific action of the sun going down.

daylight is fading

Focuses on the decreasing light.

the gloaming is here

Uses a less common word for twilight, 'gloaming'.

the shadows are lengthening

Highlights the visual effect of fading light.

the day is ending

Emphasizes the conclusion of the daytime period.

FAQs

What does "it is dusk" mean?

The phrase "it is dusk" describes the time of day just after sunset, when the light is fading but it is not yet completely dark. It's the transitional period between day and night.

What can I say instead of "it is dusk"?

You can use alternatives like "twilight is falling", "evening is approaching", or "it's getting dark" depending on the context.

How can "it is dusk" be used in a sentence?

You can use "it is dusk" to describe a scene, set a mood, or indicate the time of day in a narrative. For example: "As I walked through the park, I noticed that "it is dusk", and the streetlights began to flicker on."

Is "it is dusk" formal or informal?

"It is dusk" is considered a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation than on the phrase itself.