stroke of midnight

USAGE SUMMARY

"stroke of midnight" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the exact moment when the clock hits 12:00 AM, marking the start of a new day. This can be in reference to celebrations for New Year's Eve, or the beginning of a special event or deadline, or even a significant moment in a story or poem. Example: "The party was in full swing as the guests waited for the stroke of midnight to welcome the new year." or "As the clock struck the stroke of midnight, the princess's spell was broken and she transformed back into a human."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So what will happen at the stroke of midnight?

The New York Times

At the stroke of midnight, our eggs turn into dust.

The Guardian

6 1 A STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, by Laurell K. Hamilton.

The New York Times

At the stroke of midnight, in a scene from "V for Vendetta," Big Ben explodes.

The New York Times - Arts

And if he fails to finish by the stroke of midnight, he destroys it.

The Guardian - Arts

The cheers delayed a final vote on the bill to the stroke of midnight.

The Guardian

At the stroke of midnight, Vice-President Biden will top the day off with sour cream.

The New Yorker

At the stroke of midnight, their bill arrives and the revellers' faces turn gray.

The New Yorker

Should he fail to finish a painting by the stroke of midnight, he destroys it.

The Guardian - Arts

Ever sung "Happy Birthday" to a friend on the stroke of midnight at a pub?

The Guardian - Opinion

The run goes off at the stroke of midnight with fireworks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stroke of midnight" to create a sense of drama, anticipation, or finality, especially when describing deadlines, beginnings, or transformative events.

Common error

Avoid using "stroke of midnight" in contexts where a more precise or neutral time reference is needed. The phrase carries a certain weight and isn't suitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of midnight" functions primarily as a time marker, specifically indicating the transition between one day and the next. It is often used to signify a deadline, a new beginning, or a moment of transformation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stroke of midnight" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the exact moment when a new day begins, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, from marking significant deadlines and transformations to adding a touch of drama to narratives. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase holds a neutral to formal register and effectively serves to emphasize the importance of a specific point in time. While other phrases like "twelve a.m." or "midnight hour" can be used, "stroke of midnight" provides a sense of anticipation and finality that the alternatives may lack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twelve a.m.

Refers specifically to the time 12:00 AM; a direct synonym for midnight.

midnight hour

Emphasizes the timing and significance of the midnight period.

witching hour

Implies a mystical or supernatural occurrence at midnight.

the start of the day

Focuses on midnight as the initiation of a new day.

the bewitching hour

Similar to witching hour, but with a broader sense of magic.

the end of the day

Focuses on midnight as the termination of the previous day.

the precise moment of midnight

Emphasizes the exactness of the midnight demarcation.

the zero hour

Highlights midnight as the start of a planned or critical operation.

the small hours

Refers to the period shortly after midnight, focusing on lateness.

the eleventh hour

Denotes a last-minute opportunity before a deadline, not literally midnight.

FAQs

How can I use "stroke of midnight" in a sentence?

You can use "stroke of midnight" to mark the beginning of a new year, the end of a deadline, or a magical transformation. For example, "The ball dropped at the "stroke of midnight", ushering in the new year" or "The contract needed to be signed before the "stroke of midnight"".

What's a more formal alternative to "stroke of midnight"?

While "stroke of midnight" can be used in many contexts, more formal alternatives include "12:00 AM", "the commencement of the new day", or "the transition to the following day". Choose the alternative that best fits the formality and precision required by your writing.

What does the phrase "stroke of midnight" imply?

The phrase "stroke of midnight" often implies a sense of drama, finality, or transformation. It's frequently used in stories, legends, and significant events to highlight a pivotal moment or a critical deadline.

Is it correct to say "at the stroke of midnight tonight"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct and common to say "at the stroke of midnight tonight". The addition of "tonight" simply clarifies the specific midnight being referenced, especially in contexts where there might be ambiguity. "At the "stroke of midnight" tonight we ring out the 'old' year and begin a new one".