late afternoon

USAGE SUMMARY

'late afternoon' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to the time of day between mid-afternoon and evening. For example: "We met up together in the late afternoon to discuss our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sunday, noon until late afternoon.

The New York Times

It's an overcast late afternoon.

The New York Times

The late afternoon was best.

The New Yorker

It's now late afternoon.

The New Yorker

It seemed to be late afternoon.

The New Yorker

By late afternoon, every window was filled.

The New Yorker

By late afternoon, the rally sputtered.

The New York Times

It was late afternoon in Ikaria.

The New York Times - Magazine

Late afternoon, a wind came up.

The New Yorker

It was a cold late afternoon.

The New Yorker

The meeting dragged on until late afternoon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed, consider providing a specific time range (e.g. "between 4 PM and 6 PM") in addition to using the phrase "late afternoon".

Common error

Avoid using "late afternoon" when the context clearly refers to early evening or midday. Ensure that the described activities or conditions align with the typical characteristics of "late afternoon", such as the sun beginning to set or the end of work hours.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late afternoon" functions primarily as an adverbial of time, specifying when an event occurs. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent usage in various contexts. It modifies verbs by providing temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "late afternoon" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the period between mid-afternoon and early evening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity in your writing, use "late afternoon" to pinpoint a specific timeframe, and be mindful of potential overlaps with other time periods. Alternatives such as "toward evening" and "early evening" offer similar meanings, but consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate option. Be aware of its usage to avoid overlap with different time frames.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end of the afternoon

Focuses on the concluding part of the afternoon period.

toward evening

Emphasizes the transition from afternoon to evening.

late in the day

A broader term that refers to the later part of the daytime.

as the day winds down

Illustrates the relaxing feel of the ending day.

dusk

A more concise term referring to the period just before night.

early evening

Highlights the beginning of the evening period.

the waning hours of daylight

Describes the diminishing light at the end of the day.

closing hours

Focuses on the final hours of operation for businesses or events.

as twilight approaches

Emphasizes the approaching darkness of twilight.

when the sun starts to set

Describes the time of day based on the sun's position.

FAQs

How can I use "late afternoon" in a sentence?

You can use "late afternoon" to describe events or activities that occur between mid-afternoon and early evening. For instance, "The meeting is scheduled for "late afternoon"" or "I usually go for a walk in the "late afternoon"".

What are some alternatives to "late afternoon"?

Some alternatives include "toward evening", "early evening", or "as the day winds down". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "late afternoon" or "early evening"?

"Late afternoon" and "early evening" are both generally considered neutral in formality. The choice between them depends on whether the time is closer to the afternoon or the evening.

What's the difference between "late afternoon" and "early evening"?

"Late afternoon" refers to the period after mid-afternoon and before the sun sets, while "early evening" refers to the period immediately after sunset and before nightfall. The distinction depends on the time of sunset.