sun has set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sun has set" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
Example: The sun has set, and the evening has begun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because this herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight, take it in the evening after the Sun has set.

Huffington Post

And then the sun has set.

The Guardian - Music

The sun has set, and it's becoming dark.

The New York Times

"The sun has set on Camelot but will rise in some other form," Mr. Chorowski said.

The New York Times

The sun has set, but there's a lovely peachy blush in the sky.

The Guardian - Travel

Not so, he says, and yet his sun has set for ever.

The Guardian - Books

No matter that a good anorak is essential in mid‑September once the sun has set.

The Guardian - Sport

The Sun has set up a dedicated "Ed Stone hotline" for tips about the stone's whereabouts.

The Guardian

In the meantime, something "white nights" will be happening out there; the sun has set and yet it has not.

The New York Times

CSP offers storage of electricity for up to three hours after the sun has set, which covers peak demand times.

The Guardian

Now that the sun has set on what was the British empire, we do our foreign affairs a little differently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sun has set" to create a sense of closure, transition, or the end of a period, both literally and figuratively. It's effective in both descriptive and metaphorical contexts.

Common error

While appropriate in literature and general writing, avoid using "sun has set" in scientific or technical documents where precise astronomical terms are more suitable. Use specific terms like "sunset" or "solar transit" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sun has set" functions primarily as a statement indicating the completion of the sun's daily descent below the horizon. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and correct usage. It often acts as a descriptor of time or a transition between day and night.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sun has set" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used both literally to describe the end of the day and figuratively to signify the conclusion of an event or era. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Encyclopedias, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to its usage in technical contexts, where more precise astronomical terminology might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and contextually relevant writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sunset occurred

Replaces "sun has set" with a more concise, direct description of the event.

daylight ended

Focuses on the ceasing of daylight, rather than the specific action of the sun.

nightfall arrived

Emphasizes the arrival of night as a consequence of the sun setting.

evening descended

Presents a more poetic or figurative way of describing the transition to night.

sun went down

Uses a simpler, more informal way to express the setting of the sun.

twilight began

Highlights the beginning of twilight as the sun disappears below the horizon.

day was over

Focuses on the completion of the day, implying the sun has set.

darkness fell

Describes the encompassing darkness that follows the sun setting.

lights were turned on

Indicates a consequence of the sun setting, focusing on artificial illumination.

sun dipped below the horizon

A more descriptive and visual alternative to "sun has set".

FAQs

How can I use "sun has set" in a sentence?

You can use "sun has set" to describe the end of the day, as in: "The "sun has set", and the stars began to appear." It can also be used metaphorically, such as: "The "sun has set" on his career."

What does it mean when someone says, "The sun has set on something"?

Figuratively, "The "sun has set" on something" means that something has come to an end. It implies a conclusion or the termination of an era, activity, or endeavor.

Are there more formal alternatives to "sun has set"?

While ""sun has set"" is already quite neutral, you might use "sunset occurred" or "the solar transit has concluded" in very formal or technical contexts.

Is it correct to say "the sun has sat" instead of "the sun has set"?

No, "the sun has sat" is incorrect. The correct phrase is "the "sun has set"". "Set" refers to the sun descending below the horizon.