this very evening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this very evening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something will happen later in the same day, specifically in the evening. Example: "I have a meeting scheduled for this very evening to discuss the project updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He plays (kinda) for Liverpool and Liverpool are one of those teams playing in Big Vase this very evening.

The Guardian - Sport

You can make a date with him for this very evening at 10pm, when he'll be appearing in sci-fi drama Under The Dome on Channel 5.

Independent

MANSERVANT: One would do best to start fathoming directly, M'Lord: Mr. Snapchat, per M'Lady's wishes, is to dine with us this very evening.

The New Yorker

Hoppin' John -- the pre-eminent rice and pea dish of the Western world, a nutritional marvel, the culinary touchstone of the African diaspora and a hangover remedy without equal -- needs only a few hours of preparation and can be on your table by this very evening.

The New York Times - Food

Or in Germany, a plate of white asparagus with butter and a lot of pepper, in April - in fact, this very evening.

BBC

We found a remix by new Brazilian Creators Database, and thought it would be appropriate to post since they're performing at our São Paulo event this very evening.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"And our families, and our allies, such as Israel, would be in even greater jeopardy than we are this very afternoon".

The New York Times

This very afternoon.

The New York Times

"Before you go to bed this very night . .

The New Yorker

Tyler Hansbrough returned to North Carolina for his senior season with this very night in mind.

The New York Times - Sports

"Before you go to bed this very night ... .. the speaker was saying, as the young longhairs walked away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very evening" to add emphasis to a plan or event happening on the same day. It's more impactful than simply saying "tonight" or "this evening".

Common error

Avoid using "this very evening" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can sound repetitive or unnatural. Vary your language with synonyms like "tonight" or "later this evening" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very evening" functions as a temporal adverbial phrase, specifying when an event will take place. It modifies a verb or clause by providing information about the time of the action. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very evening" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as validated by Ludwig, that functions as a temporal adverbial to emphasize the imminence of an event occurring on the same day. Though not as common as simpler alternatives like "tonight", it serves to highlight the urgency or certainty of the event. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase carries a neutral tone and may be useful for announcements and scheduling. To avoid repetition in your writing, you can always switch with other alternatives such as "tonight" or "later this evening".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tonight

This is the most direct and common synonym, simply referring to the evening of the current day.

later tonight

Adds a slight emphasis on the time being in the future within the current evening.

this evening

Omits the word "very", making it slightly less emphatic but still referring to the same time.

this present evening

Emphasizes the current evening using "present" as a synonym for "very".

the evening of this day

A more formal and descriptive way to refer to the current evening.

on this very night

Slightly more dramatic and can imply a special occasion.

this selfsame evening

Uses "selfsame" for emphasis, making it a more literary or archaic alternative.

in the course of this evening

Focuses on the duration or progression of the evening.

before the night is out

An idiomatic way of saying something will happen before the end of the evening.

as the evening unfolds

Highlights the progression of events throughout the evening.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this very evening" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "the evening of this day" or restructuring your sentence to use ""later this evening"" while providing additional context. For example, "The presentation will take place later this evening, following the keynote address".

Is "this very evening" redundant, and are there better alternatives?

While not strictly redundant, "this very evening" is emphatic. Simpler alternatives like "tonight" or "this evening" are often sufficient. Use the phrase strategically for emphasis when needed.

What's the difference between "this very evening" and "this very night"?

The phrases are very similar, but "this very night" can suggest a slightly more dramatic or significant occasion. "This very evening" is generally more neutral and suitable for everyday contexts, while "this very night" is more theatrical.

In what situations is "this very evening" most appropriate?

"This very evening" is best used when you want to highlight the immediacy or certainty of an event occurring later the same day. It adds a touch of emphasis compared to simply saying "tonight" or "this evening".