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Grammar fix

late night

after midnight

A time period that is after midnight, usually when most people are asleep.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I often feel hungry in the late night and end up having a snack.daily life
  • I sometimes study until late at night, especially before exams, because it's quieter and I can concentrate better.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: late night (noun, usually singular or uncountable); used as 'late at night', 'a late night', or 'late-night (adj)'

WrongI had a late night yesterday night.

RightI had a late night last night.

'last night', not 'yesterday night'.

Patternlate night (noun, usually singular or uncountable); used as 'late at night', 'a late night', or 'late-night (adj)'

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I retired at an hour considerably past midnight.

Natural It was a late night.

'A late night' is natural; the formal version is overwrought.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a late night
    haveanotherworkingout

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'evening' or 'night'—'late night' is specifically very late, usually after midnight.

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