tonight
A1 (Extremely High)Neutral (Used in all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
This very night; the night of the present day.
The evening and night of the current day; can refer to scheduled events, plans, feelings, or atmosphere experienced after dark.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adverb or a noun. As a noun, it often implies a specific, finite period of time ("Let's make the most of tonight").
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning.
Connotations
Neutral and identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adverb of time (modifies verb)Noun (object of preposition)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tonight's the night! (expressing that a long-awaited event is finally happening)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The report must be finalized by tonight."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose except in quotations or informal contexts.
Everyday
"What are we having for dinner tonight?"
Technical
Not used in technical contexts unless referring to a specific time window (e.g., "The satellite pass is scheduled for tonight.").
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- The concert is happening tonight in Hyde Park.
- I should really finish that essay tonight.
American English
- The game starts tonight at 8 PM ET.
- Let's go out for pizza tonight.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am going to bed early tonight.
- It is cold tonight.
- Do you have any plans for tonight?
- The forecast predicts rain tonight.
- Tonight's performance has been completely sold out.
- However late it is tonight, I must finish this chapter.
- The diplomatic tensions are expected to reach a critical juncture tonight.
- The poet captured the melancholic stillness of the city tonight.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TO + NIGHT. It's the night you are moving TOWARDS right now.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT (tonight is the night that is approaching/arriving).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "today" (сегодня). "Tonight" specifically refers to the night part.
- Avoid literal translation as "на этой ночи". Use "сегодня вечером/ночью".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *"I will do it tonight night." (redundant) Correct: "I will do it tonight."
- Incorrect: *"See you in tonight." Correct: "See you tonight."
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'tonight' correctly as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and appropriate for all contexts, from casual conversation to formal announcements (e.g., 'The President will address the nation tonight.').
No. 'Tonight' specifically refers to the evening and night of the current day. For the entire 24-hour period, use 'today'.
They are often interchangeable, but 'tonight' can extend later into the night, whereas 'this evening' typically refers to the early part of the night.
No, 'on' is not used. Use 'tonight' directly as an adverb (We're meeting tonight) or as a noun after a preposition like 'for' or 'by' (plans for tonight).