late at night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "late at night" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a time later in the evening, when it is dark outside. For example: "I often have my best ideas late at night when I'm relaxed and alone with my thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was late at night.

The New York Times

I write late at night.

The New York Times

Late at night, all by himself.

The New York Times

"But late at night, everyone's drunk.

The New York Times

We played cards until late at night.

The New York Times

(It keeps me up late at night).

The New York Times

"Your crimes were usually late at night.

The Guardian

"Late at night definitely.

The Guardian - Music

But so late at night?

The Washington Post

Avoid desserts late at night.

The Washington Post

Very late at night she returned.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "late at night", consider the context. It's suitable for informal and formal writing to describe events occurring well after the typical evening hours. Place it strategically in your sentence to emphasize timing or circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "late at night" with redundant adverbs like "very" or "really" unless adding significant emphasis. Overusing such adverbs can weaken the impact of the phrase.

How to use

Learn how to use "late at night" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late at night" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate when an action takes place. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "late at night" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to specify the timing of events occurring well into the night. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, from news reports and academic writing to informal conversations. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to avoid redundancy by carefully considering the context and avoiding overuse of unnecessary adverbs. Remember that "late at night" is often used to imply secrecy, solitude, or unusual circumstances. With this in mind, you can effectively use the phrase to enhance the clarity and nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a late hour

Emphasizes the lateness of the time.

in the dead of night

Emphasizes the quiet and stillness of the deepest part of the night.

in the late evening

More specific regarding the time of night.

in the wee hours

Focuses on the very early hours of the morning.

during the night

A broader term indicating something occurring within the nighttime period.

well past midnight

Highlights that the time is significantly after midnight.

after dark

Highlights the period following sunset.

at close of day

More literary way to emphasize the end of the day and the beginning of the night.

at nightfall

Refers to the beginning of night.

towards dawn

Refers to the time just before sunrise.

FAQs

How can I use "late at night" in a sentence?

You can use "late at night" to describe when an event occurs, such as "I often study "late at night"" or "The phone calls came "late at night"".

What are some alternatives to saying "late at night"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the wee hours", "at a late hour", or "during the night" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "late at night"?

While grammatically correct, using "late at night" might be redundant if the context already implies it's nighttime. In such cases, simply saying "at night" might be more concise.

What's the difference between "late at night" and "early in the morning"?

"Late at night" refers to the period well after evening but before midnight or the very early hours of the morning, while "early in the morning" refers to the period shortly after dawn. They represent opposite ends of the sleep cycle.