it is nighttime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is nighttime" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the time of day when it is dark outside, typically after sunset. Example: "As I looked out the window, I realized it is nighttime, and the stars are shining brightly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It is nighttime and the outdoor cafe is lighted and populated with loners.

The New York Times - Arts

"If it is nighttime, and you are in space, and you see stars, those are real stars," he added.

The New Yorker

"It is nighttime in America," Dr. Forbes said, "and I want to bring a word of encouragement".

The New York Times

It is nighttime in Oakland, in 1992, and a troupe of young boys are passing around a basketball.

The New Yorker

It is nighttime, and the screen is dark except for the violent orange explosions and the wry captions "Democracy" and "Freedom" written in Arabic.

The Washington Post

It is nighttime, and as he puts a contraption on his head, his wife, also in pajamas, enters the kitchen and asks what he is doing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was nighttime.

The New Yorker

"It's nighttime.

The New York Times

"It was nighttime," he said.

The New York Times

It's nighttime in the big city.

The Washington Post

It's nighttime, everything is chill.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is nighttime" to set a scene or describe a situation where the time of day is relevant to the narrative or context. It is particularly effective when emphasizing a contrast with daytime activities.

Common error

Avoid using overly descriptive phrases in conjunction with "it is nighttime". For example, saying "it is nighttime, and the darkness is palpable" can be redundant. Choose concise and impactful language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is nighttime" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating the time of day. Examples from Ludwig show its use in setting scenes and describing circumstances that occur during the night. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is nighttime" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to indicate that it is night. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, it also sees usage in Wiki and Academic contexts. To enhance writing, remember to use it to set the scene effectively and avoid redundancy. For alternatives, consider phrases like "night has fallen" or "it is dark out" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's dark out

This is a more informal and direct way of saying that it is nighttime, focusing on the darkness.

night is here

A simple and direct way to state that nighttime has arrived.

night has fallen

This alternative uses a more poetic and descriptive approach to indicate the arrival of night.

it is after sunset

This phrase highlights the fact that the sun has set, marking the beginning of night.

we're in the night

A slightly more emphatic way of stating the current time is night.

the evening has arrived

This alternative refers specifically to the evening, the part of the day closest to nighttime.

darkness prevails

This is a more dramatic and literary way to say it's nighttime, emphasizing the darkness.

the stars are out

This alternative focuses on a specific feature of nighttime: the appearance of stars.

the moon is up

This alternative focuses on the presence of the moon, which is commonly associated with nighttime.

it's getting late

This phrase indicates that the day is coming to an end and nighttime is approaching.

FAQs

How can I use "it is nighttime" in a sentence?

You can use "it is nighttime" to describe a scene, setting, or the timing of an event. For example, "It is nighttime, and the city lights are twinkling" or "It is nighttime, so the animals are more active".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is dark out", "night has fallen", or "it is after sunset" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is nighttime" or "it's nighttime"?

Both "it is nighttime" and "it's nighttime" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the level of formality you want to convey. "It is nighttime" is slightly more formal than "it's nighttime".

When is it appropriate to use "it is nighttime" in writing?

Use "it is nighttime" when you want to emphasize the time of day, set a specific mood, or highlight the contrast between day and night. It's especially useful in descriptive writing or storytelling.