it was nighttime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was 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 we walked through the quiet streets, I noticed how peaceful it was, especially since it was nighttime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It was nighttime.

The New Yorker

"It was nighttime," he said.

The New York Times

"It looked like it was nighttime.

The New York Times

It was nighttime when he cycled back.

The New Yorker

It was nighttime, and the river crossing was not illuminated.

The New York Times

As it was nighttime, the bungee tower was closed.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It's nighttime.

The New York Times

It's nighttime in the big city.

The Washington Post

It's nighttime, everything is chill.

The Guardian - Books

Turn on the light if it's nighttime.

Harvard University

Since light sources are mentioned, readers unconsciously assume that it's nighttime.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was nighttime" to set the scene in narratives, providing context for events that occur after sunset. For instance, "It was nighttime, and the city lights twinkled like stars."

Common error

Avoid using "it was nighttime" immediately after mentioning a specific late hour. For example, instead of "It was 11 PM, and it was nighttime", simply state "It was 11 PM."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was nighttime" functions as an independent clause, primarily serving as a statement of fact to establish the time of day. It sets the scene or provides context for subsequent events, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was nighttime" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to establish the time of day in various contexts, predominantly within news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable. When writing, be mindful of potential redundancy and aim to use it to effectively set the scene. Consider the subtle nuances of alternative phrases to achieve the best fit for your specific narrative or descriptive context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a night

A simple, direct way of stating it was a night.

it was after dark

More literal way of saying it was after sunset.

night had fallen

Emphasizes the completion of the transition to night.

darkness had descended

Focuses on the darkness enveloping the scene.

nighttime prevailed

Emphasizes the dominance of night.

the night was upon us

Suggests the arrival of night.

evening had arrived

Highlights the evening portion of the day, implying it's dark.

the day was over

Focuses on the end of the day, implying darkness.

it was late

Indicates that it was a time when it is typically dark.

the stars were out

Highlights the presence of stars, implying it is dark.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was nighttime" to describe a setting, initiate a scene, or provide context for an event occurring during the night. Example: "It was nighttime, and a hush fell over the city."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was nighttime"?

Alternatives include "night had fallen", "darkness had descended", or "it was after dark". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "it was nighttime" if the context already implies it's night?

Yes, it can be. If you've already established it's late or referred to stars or darkness, saying "it was nighttime" may be unnecessary. Choose concise language when possible.

What's the difference between "it was nighttime" and "it was night"?

"It was nighttime" is more commonly used to describe a general condition, while "it was night" can sometimes be used more poetically or emphatically. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.