twilight hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twilight hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the time of day just after sunset when the sky is partially illuminated. Example: "As the sun dipped below the horizon, the landscape transformed into a magical scene during the twilight hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was the twilight hour; the waiters were preparing for the evening rush.

The New Yorker

Nicci Gerrard is a novelist whose latest book is The Twilight Hour.

The Guardian

"Maybe," agbagb suggests in a metaphor of great beauty, "you're feeling the chill of a twilight hour of a Sunday evening".

The New York Times

Why stage a seven-hour dance and music extravaganza and then call it "Sundown" and suggest that people might best enjoy it at that twilight hour?

The New York Times - Arts

The play's title is a reference to the French phrase "entre chien et loup," referring to the twilight hour when it's difficult to tell the difference between a friendly dog and a dangerous wolf — and symbolically between comfort and fear.

The New York Times

Cultural historian Elizabeth Wilson used post-second World War austerity Britain as the setting for a crime novel in her atmospheric The Twilight Hour (2006), set around bohemian Fitzrovia and Brighton in 1947.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Night herons have thicker bills and shorter legs and are more active in the twilight hours and at night.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New Yorker, November 30, 1929 P. 17 The twilight hours brings cocktail hour which is Woman's hour, and she make most of it.

The New Yorker

"Unlike other broadcasters, Sky won't hide these series in the twilight hours," said the Sky Atlantic director of programmes, Stuart Murphy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So began a rich and vital connection between two artists who were daringly re-inventing their art in the twilight hours of Europe's Belle Époque.

The New York Times

By E. B. White The New Yorker, November 30, 1929 P. 17 The twilight hours brings cocktail hour which is Woman's hour, and she make most of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "twilight hour", consider if a more common synonym like "dusk" or "evening twilight" might be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

While "twilight hour" evokes a certain imagery, avoid using it excessively in contexts that require a straightforward or technical tone. Alternatives such as "dusk" or "evening" are more suitable for those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "twilight hour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier specifying time. It describes a specific period shortly after sunset, as illustrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "twilight hour" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the period shortly after sunset. While considered correct and usable, it is relatively infrequent, as per Ludwig's analysis. It functions descriptively, evoking a specific atmosphere. The phrase is suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts, commonly found in news, media and descriptive writing. Consider using it when you want to create a vivid image, but remember that more common synonyms like "dusk" or "evening twilight" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dusk

Refers to the period of time at the end of the day just before darkness.

evening twilight

Specifies that the twilight is occurring in the evening.

crepuscular time

Describes the time of day when animals are most active at twilight.

sundown

Indicates the time when the sun goes down.

late evening

Refers to the later part of the evening, close to night.

gloaming

A poetic term for twilight or dusk.

the edge of night

Emphasizes the transition from day to night.

after sunset

Indicates the time immediately following the setting of the sun.

between day and night

Highlights the transitional nature of twilight.

early night

Refers to the beginning portion of the night.

FAQs

What does "twilight hour" mean?

"Twilight hour" refers to the period of time just after sunset or just before sunrise, characterized by soft, diffused light.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "twilight hour" in writing?

Use "twilight hour" when you want to evoke a sense of calmness, mystery, or transition in your writing. It fits well in descriptive or narrative contexts.

What are some synonyms for "twilight hour"?

Some synonyms for "twilight hour" include "dusk", "evening twilight", "gloaming", and "sundown".

Is "twilight hour" a formal or informal expression?

"Twilight hour" leans towards a more poetic or descriptive register, making it less suitable for highly formal or technical writing. Neutral alternatives like "dusk" or "evening" might be preferable in those contexts.