the sun is setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sun is setting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the time of day when the sun is going down, often evoking imagery or setting a scene. Example: "As we sat on the beach, we watched as the sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sun is setting.

The New Yorker

Outside, the sun is setting.

The New Yorker

The sun is setting on Gaza.

The Guardian

THE sun is setting on fading empires.

The New York Times - Sports

The sun is setting when we hear the wolf.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun is setting, turning the sky crimson.

The Guardian - Travel

The sun is setting, it seems, on a vanishing world.

The New York Times

The sun is setting behind them, throwing glitter across the water.

The New York Times

Her opening line: "As I write this, the sun is setting over Maui".

The New York Times

Dawn has just broken, but the sun is setting on New Labour.

Independent

The sun is setting to my west/right, illuminating the right half of the moon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use descriptive language to enhance the imagery when using "the sun is setting". For instance, describe the colors in the sky or the effect of the setting sun on the landscape.

Common error

While effective, repeatedly using "the sun is setting" can become monotonous. Vary your descriptions with alternative phrases or focus on the changing light and shadows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sun is setting" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, depicting a specific time of day. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. The examples showcase its ability to set a scene, often evoking a sense of time passing or a change in atmosphere.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sun is setting" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to describe the end of the day. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Primarily found in News & Media, this phrase often serves to set a scene, evoke emotions, or provide context. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for more literary or descriptive purposes. When using this phrase, writers should aim for variety by incorporating alternative expressions or focusing on the specific imagery associated with the setting sun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sun is going down

Replaces "setting" with the more common verb "going down".

the sun is sinking

Uses a different verb to describe the sun's descent.

the sun is dipping below the horizon

Offers a more vivid and descriptive image.

sundown is occurring

A more formal way of saying the sun is setting.

dusk is approaching

Focuses on the time of day rather than the sun itself.

twilight is beginning

Similar to dusk, emphasizing the transition to night.

daylight is fading

Focuses on the diminishing light.

the day is ending

Shifts the focus to the conclusion of the day.

night is falling

Emphasizes the arrival of night.

the evening is commencing

Highlights the start of the evening period.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the sun is setting"?

You can use alternatives like "the sun is going down", "dusk is approaching", or "night is falling" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "the sun is setting"?

The phrase "the sun is setting" is generally correct. However, it might be inappropriate in scientific contexts where more precise terms like "solar declination" might be preferred.

How does the context change the impact of "the sun is setting"?

The phrase "the sun is setting" can evoke different emotions depending on the context. It can symbolize endings, peace, or even hope for a new beginning. In literature, it often foreshadows significant events.

What's the difference between "the sun is setting" and "the sun is going down"?

While both phrases are similar, "the sun is setting" often carries a more poetic or descriptive connotation, while "the sun is going down" is more straightforward and commonly used in everyday speech.