the sun has set

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "the sun has set" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where the sun has gone below the horizon, indicating that it is now nighttime. Example: After a long day at the beach, we finally packed up our things and headed back to the house, as the sun had set and it was starting to get dark.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

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

The sun has set.

The New Yorker

The sun has set, op.

Stanford University

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The sun had set.

The New York Times

The sun had set in New York.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sun has set" to create a sense of closure, transition, or the passage of time in your writing. It's a vivid and universally understood image.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase in contexts where a more literal description of time would be more appropriate. While it can be used figuratively, ensure the metaphor aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sun has set" functions primarily as a statement of fact, indicating the time of day when the sun is no longer visible above the horizon. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sun has set" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the end of daylight, often carrying a sense of transition or finality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various forms of written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academic and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone and purpose, whether used literally or metaphorically. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently utilize this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

night has fallen

Focuses on the arrival of night rather than the sun's specific action.

dusk has arrived

Highlights the twilight period immediately after sunset.

twilight has begun

Emphasizes the beginning of the dim light period after sunset.

day is done

A more general phrase indicating the end of the day.

night is here

Simple statement indicating the presence of night.

the stars are out

Focuses on the appearance of stars, a consequence of sunset.

darkness has descended

Emphasizes the increasing darkness after sunset.

evening has come

Indicates the arrival of the evening period.

the day is over

Another way to say the end of day

the light is fading

Highlights the gradual decrease of light at sunset.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "the sun has set"?

When someone says "the sun has set", it means the sun has gone below the horizon, marking the end of daylight and the beginning of night. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate the end of something.

What can I say instead of "the sun has set"?

You can use alternatives like "night has fallen", "dusk has arrived", or "twilight has begun" depending on the context.

Is "the sun has set" a metaphor?

Yes, "the sun has set" can be used as a metaphor to signify the end of something, such as a career, an era, or a relationship. For example, one might say "the sun has set on his political ambitions".

How do I use "the sun has set" in a sentence?

You can use "the sun has set" to describe the time of day, such as "After the sun has set, the temperature usually drops." Or you can use it metaphorically to describe the end of something, such as "The sun has set on their hopes of winning the championship."