The afternoon is the bridge between the middle of the day and the beginning of the evening.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The period between noon and evening.
- Commonly used to describe daily schedules.
- Usually starts at 12:00 PM daily.
Overview
The word 'afternoon' refers to the time segment that succeeds noon (12:00 PM) and precedes the evening. While the exact transition point can be subjective, it generally covers the post-lunch hours up until the sun begins to dip below the horizon. 2) Usage Patterns: 'Afternoon' is frequently used with prepositions like 'in' (in the afternoon) or 'this' (this afternoon). It functions as a noun and is commonly used to schedule meetings, social gatherings, or describe daily routines. 3) Common Contexts: In professional settings, the afternoon is often the busiest part of the workday. In social contexts, it is the time for activities such as 'afternoon tea' or 'afternoon naps.' 4) Similar Words comparison: While 'noon' refers specifically to the exact moment of 12:00 PM, 'afternoon' refers to the entire span following that moment. 'Evening' follows the afternoon, typically beginning as the sun sets or when the workday concludes, marking a shift toward leisure or nighttime activities.
Examples
I usually take a nap in the afternoon.
everydayHabitualmente tomo una siesta por la tarde.
The meeting is scheduled for this afternoon.
formalLa reunión está programada para esta tarde.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Good afternoon
Greeting used between noon and evening
Afternoon tea
A light meal or snack
Often Confused With
Noon is exactly 12:00 PM, whereas afternoon is the duration of time that follows that specific moment.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral in register and can be used in both casual and professional settings. It is essential to use the article 'the' when referring to the period generally. Avoid confusing it with 'after noon', which is a phrase describing the time after 12:00 PM.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'at the afternoon' instead of 'in the afternoon'. Another error is omitting the article 'the' when talking about the period. Remember that it is a noun, not an adverb.
Tips
Use the preposition in correctly
Always use 'in' when referring to the afternoon as a general time frame. For example, say 'I will finish this in the afternoon.'
Avoid using at the afternoon
A common mistake is saying 'at the afternoon.' Remember that 'at' is used for specific clock times, while 'in' is for periods of the day.
Afternoon tea as a tradition
In British culture, 'afternoon tea' is a famous light meal served between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It is a significant social custom.
Word Origin
The word originated in the late Middle English period, formed by combining 'after' and 'noon'. It has been used consistently since the 14th century to describe the latter half of the daylight hours.
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, the afternoon is associated with the transition from work to home life. It is often the time for school dismissal and the completion of daily business tasks.
Memory Tip
Think of the word as 'after' + 'noon'. It literally means the time that comes after the clock strikes twelve.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, grammatically and conventionally, the afternoon begins immediately after noon, which is 12:00 PM.
No, it is a common noun and should be written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
There is no strict rule, but it typically ends when the sun begins to set or when the standard workday concludes.
Test Yourself
I have a meeting ___ the afternoon.
We use the preposition 'in' for parts of the day like the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Score: /1
Summary
The afternoon is the bridge between the middle of the day and the beginning of the evening.
- The period between noon and evening.
- Commonly used to describe daily schedules.
- Usually starts at 12:00 PM daily.
Use the preposition in correctly
Always use 'in' when referring to the afternoon as a general time frame. For example, say 'I will finish this in the afternoon.'
Avoid using at the afternoon
A common mistake is saying 'at the afternoon.' Remember that 'at' is used for specific clock times, while 'in' is for periods of the day.
Afternoon tea as a tradition
In British culture, 'afternoon tea' is a famous light meal served between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It is a significant social custom.
Examples
2 of 2I usually take a nap in the afternoon.
Habitualmente tomo una siesta por la tarde.
The meeting is scheduled for this afternoon.
La reunión está programada para esta tarde.
Quick Quiz
I have a very important meeting ____ the afternoon.
Correct!
The correct answer is: in
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
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