At night / in the night - Urgent

Question

Dear all,When talking about an event happened in the past, for instance" I reached home at night"  " I went to church at night""I watched a movie in the night"Can I use "at night" in place of "in the night" ?  And what is the difference between these two ?  I am really in need to get an answer little urgently. Please do help. Thanks a lot. - Shariff

Squeaky · Accepted Answer

Because these events happened in the past then it should be...

I reached home last night

I went to church last night

I watched a movie last night.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

When talking about an event happened in the past, for instance

" I reached home at night"

" I went to church at night"

"I watched a movie in the night"

Can I use "at night" in place of "in the night" ? And what is the difference between these two ? 'At night' is the more natural of these things to say. You might also say 'in the evening'.

'In the night' is much less common, and sounds more poetical and stylish.

'Last night' is OK if that's what you mean, but there's nothing in your sample sentences to tell me that it was 'last night'. Perhaps we are duiscussing a night ten years ago.

Best wishes, Clive

Bshariff · Answer

Many thanks to Clive. You saved my life.

Thanks indeed.

Shariff

Rishonly · Answer

I believe the general rule is use the preposition 'in' for 'morning' and 'evening', and use the preposition 'at' for night.

In morning

In evening

At night

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Don't forget the article.

In the morning

In the evening

At night (no article)

Best wishes, Clive

Rishonly · Answer

Thanks for the correction, Clive.

At night / in the night - Urgent

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