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Wolfrolf Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

When to use 'by night' or 'at night'?

Hi everyone,

I am familiar with the usage of 'at night' but having seen the expression 'by night', I would like to know if there's a difference in meaning between them. I've tried to find an answer to my question in previous posts but I haven't found it.

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Hi, 'By night' is less common, rather more formal, and often more literary in tone. Best wishes, Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, 'By night' is less common, rather more formal, and often more literary in tone.
  • Best wishes, Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,
'By night' is less common, rather more formal, and often more literary in tone.

Best wishes, Clive
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I firmly believe what Clive has said. I'd like to add that by night is often used to refer to night life: Have you seen London by night? It is also used a lot on post cards.
CB
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Thank you for your explanations.
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"By night" tends toward the poetic, perhaps flowery way of saying "at night," the more prosaic statement of the condition of sunlessness. "I sleep AT night." "By night we see the gleam of the stars, the glow of the moon - and dream..."
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well, all the while i use 'by' for the events that happen or bound to happen right after day time (night) and if the time isn't the issue, i use 'at". ex: 'owls hunt at night' and 'owls come out by night'
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