the eve of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the eve of" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It refers to the night before a particular event or occasion. Example: "The whole town was bustling with excitement on the eve of the annual carnival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The event, on the eve of the caucuses, opened….

The New Yorker

It's the eve of All Hallows Eve.

Los Angeles Times

It is December 30th, the eve of New Year's Eve.

Huffington Post

On the eve of my fortieth birthday.

The New Yorker

Now, on the eve of the W.T.O.

The New York Times

"It's the eve of the tourist season.

The Guardian

On the eve of the R.P.F.

The New Yorker

The eve of his interview finally arrives.

The Guardian

On the eve of war it rises.

The New Yorker

It was the eve of Independence Day.

The New York Times

Were we on the eve of restoration?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by using "the eve of" to highlight the atmosphere or prevailing conditions just before a notable occurrence, setting the stage for subsequent events.

Common error

Avoid using "the eve of" for everyday, insignificant events. This phrase carries a weight of importance and should be reserved for occasions that warrant such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the eve of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns or verbs by indicating a specific time frame. It sets the scene, placing an action or state of being in the period immediately preceding a significant event. Ludwig confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the eve of" is a prepositional phrase widely utilized to denote the period immediately before a noteworthy event. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and carries a sense of anticipation or importance. While versatile, it's best reserved for significant occasions rather than trivial matters. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias, underscoring its formal and neutral register. For alternative phrasing, consider "on the verge of" or "in anticipation of", depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the night before

Specifically refers to the evening preceding an event.

on the verge of

Focuses on the imminence of an event, suggesting that it is about to happen very soon.

just before

A straightforward expression indicating the time immediately preceding an event.

on the brink of

Emphasizes the precariousness or critical nature of the moment just before an event.

on the cusp of

Implies a transition point just before a significant change or event.

in anticipation of

Highlights the expectation and preparation leading up to an event.

leading up to

Describes the period of time immediately before an event, often with a sense of build-up.

the run-up to

Emphasizes the preparatory activities and excitement leading up to an event.

preceding

Simply denotes what comes before in a sequence or time.

the approach of

Highlights the gradual coming nearer of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "the eve of" in a sentence?

Use "the eve of" to describe the period immediately before a significant event. For example, "On the eve of the election, tensions were high".

What phrases are similar to "the eve of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the verge of", "on the brink of", or "in anticipation of", which all suggest a time just before something happens.

Is it appropriate to use "the eve of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the eve of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the importance or anticipation surrounding an event.

What is the difference between "the eve of" and "the day before"?

"The eve of" carries a stronger sense of anticipation and significance than "the day before". While both refer to the preceding day, "the eve of" is often used for events of considerable importance.