setting sun

USAGE SUMMARY

'setting sun' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the sun's position in the sky as it sets in the evening. For example: The sky was lit up in a brilliant orange hue as the setting sun slowly disappeared from view.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under a setting sun, she joined her bridegroom.

The New York Times

They'll be ruddy as the setting sun before long.

The New York Times

The setting sun was reduced to a yellowish coin by the thick blanket of smog.

The New York Times

Mr. Goodwin had hoped to propose on a romantic hilltop under a setting sun.

The New York Times

Where is the best spot to see the setting sun in the city?

Independent

As they departed with the setting sun, many guests stopped to thank Elepu.

The Guardian

Jets streaked overhead, silent at high altitude, blazing west toward a setting sun.

The New York Times - Travel

Soon, the grandeur of the setting sun, the rolling meadows and the Colorado River soothed me.

The New York Times

Luckily, the 25-meter pool, its rusty, spaceshiplike roof glowing in the setting sun, was open.

The New York Times

Suppose light from the setting sun shines on a pond.

Science Magazine

For example, a person can have a super sense-perceptual experience while watching a setting sun.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "setting sun" to evoke a sense of closure, peace, or the passage of time in descriptive writing. The phrase is rich with imagery and can enhance the emotional impact of your prose.

Common error

Avoid using "setting sun" in overly sentimental or predictable ways. Instead, seek fresh and original imagery to describe sunsets and the end of the day to avoid clichés.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting sun" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples confirm its role in descriptive contexts, painting vivid images of the end of the day.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting sun" is a common and effective way to describe the end of the day, often used to evoke specific emotions or create vivid imagery. Ludwig AI confirms that it primarily functions as a noun phrase and is widely used across various contexts, including news and media, science, and general writing. When employing this phrase, consider the potential for clichés and strive for originality to enhance your writing. Alternatives like "sunset", "dusk", and "twilight" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. With a high expert rating, "setting sun" remains a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sundown

A more concise term referring to the time when the sun sets.

sunset

A common synonym denoting the same event of the sun disappearing below the horizon.

twilight

Refers to the period of time between daylight and darkness when the sun is below the horizon.

dusk

Describes the time of day immediately following sunset.

evening

A broader term encompassing the period from sunset to night.

close of day

A more formal and literary way to refer to the end of the day.

end of the day

A common expression indicating the conclusion of daytime.

waning sun

Emphasizes the sun's diminishing light as it approaches the horizon.

descending sun

Focuses on the sun's downward movement in the sky.

sun sinking below the horizon

A more descriptive and literal way to depict the sunset.

FAQs

How can I use "setting sun" in a sentence?

You can use "setting sun" to describe the end of the day, for example: "The sky was ablaze with color as the "setting sun" dipped below the horizon."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "setting sun"?

Alternatives include "sunset", "dusk", or "twilight", each carrying slightly different connotations related to the end of the day.

Is it correct to say "the sun is setting" instead of "setting sun"?

Yes, "the sun is setting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative. "Setting sun" functions more as a noun phrase, while "the sun is setting" is a verb phrase describing the action.

What imagery does the phrase "setting sun" typically evoke?

The phrase often evokes imagery of peace, tranquility, the end of a cycle, or the passage of time. It is frequently used in literature and art to symbolize these themes.