on that tonight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on that tonight" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in informal spoken language or casual writing, typically when referring to a specific topic or event happening that evening. Example: "I want to focus on that tonight during our meeting."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I want to live long enough to see you on that 'Tonight Show' with Johnny Carson.

Huffington Post

"I am pleased to have made it back and hopefully can improve on that tonight".

Independent

Do you want to work on that tonight?" This is my girl's favorite question and I don't really blame them.

Huffington Post

"I am getting a report on that tonight and that will determine what happens at the meeting," he said.

Vice

The convo' leads to me mentioning I'm just visiting from out of town, to which Sharon says "Let's not dwell on that tonight, otherwise I may not sleep with you".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

" 'The Dress-Up Box' was actually written on that morning," said Jenna Alden, the festival's curator.

The New York Times - Arts

She was on CNNfn that morning, commenting on fashion trends.

The New York Times

"I was on call that night.

The New Yorker

Mandela went on television that night.

Vice

(The awards will be broadcast on IFC that evening).

Los Angeles Times

I was on a train that afternoon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on that tonight" in informal settings or when referring to a specific topic or event clearly understood by all parties involved. Be mindful of your audience as this expression may not be universally familiar.

Common error

Avoid using "on that tonight" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for alternatives like "regarding that evening" or "concerning the matter at hand" for a more polished and appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on that tonight" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It typically indicates a specific time (tonight) and topic or event (that) about which something is being discussed or considered. Ludwig indicates this is not standard in written english.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on that tonight" is an informal adverbial phrase primarily used in spoken English or casual writing to refer to a specific topic or event happening during the evening. Ludwig AI suggests its usage isn't standard in written English. While grammatically acceptable, it is best reserved for informal contexts. For more formal communication, consider using alternatives such as "regarding that evening" or "concerning that night". The phrase mainly appears in News & Media sources. When considering its suitability, remember that clarity and audience expectations are critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about that tonight

Uses "about" instead of "on", a common alternative preposition.

regarding that evening

Replaces "tonight" with "evening", making it slightly more formal.

concerning that night

Substitutes "on" with "concerning", emphasizing the topic of the night.

with respect to that night

Presents a formal alternative, suitable for serious discussions.

on this evening

Changes "that" to "this", indicating the current evening.

pertaining to that night

Employs more formal language than the original phrase.

about tonight's matter

Shortens the phrase, highlighting the specific issue for the evening.

in relation to that evening

Offers a more elaborate and formal way of connecting to the specified event.

concerning the events of tonight

Focuses on specific occurrences rather than a general topic.

regarding what happens tonight

Broadens the scope to future events of the evening.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on that tonight" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives such as "regarding that evening", "concerning that night", or "with respect to that night". These options provide a more professional and polished feel.

Is "on that tonight" grammatically correct?

While "on that tonight" is understandable, it is not considered standard English. Ludwig AI suggests it may sound informal. Using prepositions like "about" or "regarding" can improve clarity and grammatical correctness in formal contexts.

What does "on that tonight" typically refer to?

"On that tonight" usually refers to a specific topic, plan, or event that is scheduled or expected to occur during the evening of the current day. It's often used in informal conversation to direct attention to something already known or understood.

Are there any situations where "on that tonight" would be inappropriate?

Yes, it's generally inappropriate to use "on that tonight" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional presentations. In these settings, more precise and formal language such as "regarding the matter at hand" or "concerning tonight's agenda" is more suitable.