just before dark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just before dark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time that is shortly before nightfall or sunset. Example: "We decided to go for a walk just before dark to enjoy the last rays of sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was just before dark.

The New Yorker

They reached base camp just before dark.

The New Yorker

We set out just before dark.

The New Yorker

I return just before dark.

The Guardian - Travel

The real excitement started just before dark.

The New York Times - Travel

Just before dark, I swam in the loch.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ms. Hunt describes a trip to Paris, where she bought an outfit in silk that looked like a watercolor, and a Grès original -- it was a "full, hard-working, intensely eventful year," she writes, "just before the Dark Ages set in".

The New York Times - Style

The EAC said it had heard "compelling evidence" from experts during several months of hearings that if a blowout occurred just before the dark Arctic winter returned it would not be possible to cap any oil spill until the following summer.

The Guardian

Burrowing is typically performed during or just before the dark phase and is thus generally performed between 6 and 12 h post-poly I C or cytokine challenge.

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

Go just before it gets dark so you can see the city in all its glory from high up.

The Guardian - Travel

Silver nitrate water solution with the concentration 1 mM was prepared just before application under dark conditions to prevent its decomposition.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events that occur "just before dark", consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as the fading light or the approaching night. Choosing synonyms can make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "just before dark" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "near dusk" or "as evening approached" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just before dark" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the timing of an action. Ludwig confirms its usability. It specifies when something happens in relation to the setting sun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just before dark" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the time shortly before nightfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding temporal context to actions and events. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "shortly before nightfall" or "close to dusk" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortly before nightfall

Emphasizes the proximity to the complete darkness of night.

close to dusk

Uses a more poetic term for the transition from day to night.

near sundown

Specifically references the setting of the sun.

as evening approaches

Focuses on the progression towards evening.

in the late afternoon

Indicates a broader timeframe leading up to dark.

at twilight

Refers to the period of partial darkness after sunset.

before the light fades

Highlights the diminishing light.

nearing darkness

Similar, but places a slightly stronger emphasis on the arrival of darkness itself.

as day turns to night

More metaphorical, emphasizing transition.

at the close of day

Formal and emphasizes the end of the day.

FAQs

What does "just before dark" mean?

The phrase "just before dark" refers to the time shortly before nightfall or sunset, when the light is fading but it is not yet completely dark.

What can I say instead of "just before dark"?

You can use alternatives like "shortly before nightfall", "close to dusk", or "near sundown" depending on the context.

Is "just before dark" formal or informal?

The phrase "just before dark" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How can I use "just before dark" in a sentence?

You can use "just before dark" to describe when an event occurred, such as "We arrived at the campsite "just before dark", giving us enough time to set up our tents."