time of night

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time of night" is correct and usable in written English.
It means the hour or moment of the night. For example: "I always worry about him coming home late at this time of night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The same venues were sampled on Friday evening October 17, 2003 (6 PM to Midnight) at the same time of night as in the pre-ban survey.

BMC Public Health

This time of night has changed, too.

The New York Times

The time of night we crossed from Kuwait into Iraq.

The New York Times

This time of night it's just me and my money".

The New York Times

Who opens the door at that time of night?

The New Yorker

It's too dangerous there at this time of night.

The New York Times

But is it fuel with a downside because of the time of night it is consumed?

Independent

So at this time of night I'm mostly here, just hanging out".

The New Yorker

"Scrambled eggs I wouldn't make for Governor Dewey at this time of night," the counterman said.

The New Yorker

Dress up, make friends, but not in that place, not at that time of night.

The New York Times - Books

"This is the best time of night to buy cheap seafood," he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time of night" to specify a particular point or period during the night, especially when describing activities, occurrences, or conditions unique to that timeframe. For example: "The streets are quieter at this time of night."

Common error

Avoid using "time of night" when a more specific time or timeframe would provide clearer information. Instead of saying "It happened at that time of night", specify "It happened around 11 PM" for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of night" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to specify when an action occurs or a condition is present. It denotes a particular moment or period within the night.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time of night" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify a particular moment or period during the night. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. Its primary function is to provide temporal context, indicating when an event occurs or a condition is present during the night. While "time of night" is versatile, it is important to use it judiciously, opting for more specific time references when greater precision is needed. Alternatives like "nighttime hour" or "late evening" can sometimes provide more nuanced descriptions. Overall, the phrase remains a valuable tool for writers seeking to convey temporal information accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nighttime hour

Focuses specifically on the hour within the night, suggesting a particular point in time.

late evening

Refers to the later part of the evening, a more specific timeframe.

hours of darkness

Emphasizes the darkness associated with the night, shifting the focus from time to light.

dead of night

Implies the deepest, quietest part of the night, usually after midnight.

dark hours

Highlights the darkness and extends the time frame, implying several hours.

nightly hours

Refers to hours that happen every night, more about routine.

after dark

Simply means after the sun has set; a general period.

past midnight

Specifies that it is a time after midnight.

wee hours

Indicates the very early hours of the morning.

nightfall period

Highlights the period during which night falls and the early parts of the night.

FAQs

How can I use "time of night" in a sentence?

Use "time of night" to refer to a specific hour or period during the night. For example: "The park is usually deserted at this "time of night"", or "What's the best "time of night" to see the stars?"

What are some alternatives to "time of night"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nighttime hour", "late evening", or "hours of darkness".

Is it always necessary to specify the "time of night"?

No, specifying the ""time of night"" is only needed when it adds relevant information or context. If the specific hour is unimportant, simply referring to "night" may suffice.

What's the difference between "time of night" and "nighttime"?

"Time of night" refers to a particular point in the night, while "nighttime" refers to the general period from dusk to dawn. For instance, you might say, "It's dangerous to walk alone at that "time of night"", but "Nighttime is when the city quiets down."