Question

What is the correct way to say 'late afternoon or late evening' in English and when does the evening begin?

2023-04-19

This is what goPenpal answered

In English, "late afternoon" and "late evening" are both commonly used to refer to the period of time between afternoon and nighttime. Generally, the late afternoon is considered to be between 4 pm and 6 pm, while the late evening begins around 9 pm and lasts until midnight or later, depending on the context.

The choice between "late afternoon" and "late evening" will depend on the specific time of day and the context of the conversation. If it's still light outside and the sun hasn't set yet, it's more appropriate to use "late afternoon." On the other hand, if it's dark outside and most people have already finished dinner and settled in for the night, "late evening" may be more appropriate.

It's worth noting that the exact time when evening begins can vary depending on cultural and personal preferences. Some people might consider 7 pm to be the start of evening, while others might not consider it evening until after 10 pm. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what they consider to be "late afternoon" versus "late evening" based on their own context and circumstances.

To summarize, both "late afternoon" and "late evening" are valid ways to refer to the time period between afternoon and nighttime. The choice between the two will depend on the specific time of day and the context of the conversation, and the start of evening can vary based on personal and cultural preferences.

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