nigh time

USAGE SUMMARY

"nigh time" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used to mean "near or close to the time of night." Example: The stars began to twinkle in the sky as the sun set, indicating that nigh time was approaching.
Note: This phrase may sound more poetic or old-fashioned and may not be used as commonly in everyday conversation. It is typically used in a literary or descriptive context.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is well nigh time to begin some remedial work in this domain.

Huffington Post

Pack a flashlight and batteries for nigh time use.

WikiHow

If they do not sleep in the same room with you, use a nigh time diaper, so you won't get a wet surprise.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But even discarding my fantasy of seeing everyone in the back row called upon, to the chagrin of those in the front row being shut out, it is still nigh on time for Obama to talk to the press a little more regularly than he has done since last summer.

Huffington Post

As you can probably guess, we got a bit stuck in Bird's nest, trying to vet why the young company is hoping to punch its unicorn card in nigh-record time.

TechCrunch

Here we remain the end is nigh In times like these in days gone by.

Huffington Post

Sure, you've been an outspoken atheist for years, but now that the end is nigh it's time to make an appearance.

The New Yorker

Fifteen years on and United – having just achieved the high watermark that was their storied treble – were again in Sydney but this time nigh on 70,000 were on hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Revolution is nigh and this time it's not the product of the misguided anger of the Tea Party!

Huffington Post

When the ball is nigh, it's time to get low.

WikiHow

If you are the type of person who feels that "the end of the world is nigh", it is time to question why this a) bothers you so easily and b) is something from which you attain great joy in worrying about.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nigh time" in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of old-fashioned charm or a more literary tone. It's particularly effective in descriptive writing or narratives set in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "nigh time" in everyday conversations or modern business writing. Its archaic flavor can sound out of place and distract from your message. Opt for more common phrases like "approaching evening" or "near nightfall" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nigh time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when something occurs. It describes the temporal proximity to night. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

66%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nigh time" is a grammatically correct but somewhat archaic way to describe the period close to night. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its usage is rare in contemporary English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily serving to set a scene or describe a time of day. While "nigh time" is valid, consider more common alternatives like "approaching evening" or "near nightfall" for modern contexts. Its best suited for descriptive writing or historical narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching night

Replaces "nigh" with "approaching", focusing on the act of getting closer to night.

near nightfall

Substitutes "nigh time" with "near nightfall", emphasizing the point at which night begins.

close to evening

Uses "close to" to indicate proximity, replacing "nigh" with a more common phrase.

as night draws near

Employs a more poetic expression, suggesting night is approaching.

nearing nighttime

A more modern phrasing that conveys the same meaning using more common words.

evening's arrival

Focuses on the arrival of evening, replacing the direct temporal reference of "nigh time".

dusk approaches

Highlights the transitional period of dusk, implying the imminence of night.

twilight nears

Similar to dusk, focuses on the twilight period before night.

night is imminent

Emphasizes the certainty and closeness of night's arrival.

day's end is near

Highlights the conclusion of the day as night approaches.

FAQs

How can I use "nigh time" in a sentence?

You can use "nigh time" to describe the period close to night. For example: "As the shadows lengthened, it was clear that "nigh time" was approaching."

What's a more common alternative to "nigh time"?

Alternatives include "approaching evening", "near nightfall", or "close to evening". These options are more frequently used in contemporary English.

Is "nigh time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "nigh time" is grammatically correct, although it's considered somewhat archaic. It is more commonly found in older literature or poetic writing.

In what kind of writing is "nigh time" most appropriate?

"Nigh time" is best suited for descriptive writing, historical narratives, or contexts where you want to create a sense of old-fashioned charm or formality. It's less appropriate for modern, casual communication.