What is tonight? Pronunciation and usage in English

tonight means . Learn how to pronounce and use tonight through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tonight

tonightadverb

/təˈnʌɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of tonight

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tonight" in English. It’s a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Segmentation:

  • ton – Pronounced like "tawn" (rhymes with "dawn" or "lawn") – the "o" is a short "o" sound.
  • night – Pronounced like "nigh" (rhymes with "sky" or "guy") – the "i" is a short "i" sound.

2. Putting it together:

You say it as two separate words: tawn-nigh

3. Key Points & Nuances:

  • The "ton" sound: This is often the source of difficulty. Don't say "tone," which is a different word. Focus on the short "aw" sound, like in "law" or "saw".
  • The "night" sound: The "i" in "night" is a short "i" as in "bit" or "sit."
  • Linking (slightly): While it's technically two words, there's a very slight linking sound between "ton" and "night" – it's almost like a quick “-nigh” sound at the end of “ton.” It isn’t a strong connection.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Translate: (https://translate.google.com/) Type "tonight" and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/) A fantastic website with pronunciations recorded by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/tonight/
  • YouTube: Search for "How to pronounce tonight" on YouTube – you'll find lots of videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What's your native language? (This helps me understand potential pronunciation challenges you might be facing).

Usage and examples with the word tonight in English

Let's break down how to use "tonight" in English. It's a really common and versatile word!

1. Basic Meaning: Tonight Means "Tonight"

The most straightforward use is simply to indicate the present night. It's similar to "now" but specifically refers to the night currently happening.

  • Example: "I'm going to the movies tonight." (Meaning: I'm going to the movies this evening.)
  • Example: "We're having dinner tonight." (Meaning: We're having dinner this evening.)

2. Using "Tonight" to Refer to a Specific Night

You often use "tonight" when referring to a particular night, especially when it's notable or has something planned.

  • Example: “Don't forget, tonight is your birthday!”
  • Example: “There’s a concert tonight at the stadium.”
  • Example: “I’m staying in tonight and watching a movie.”

3. Expressing a Feeling or State (Less Common, but Possible)

While less frequent, "tonight" can sometimes be used to describe a mood or feeling. It’s more poetic or figurative.

  • Example: “Tonight, I feel incredibly happy.” (Implies a feeling that’s specifically associated with this particular night.)
  • Example: “Tonight, the stars seem particularly bright.” (Describes a visual experience on this specific night.)

4. Contractions

  • Tonight’s (possessive): "Tonight’s movie is fantastic." (Referring to this night's movie)
  • Tonite (rare – mostly found in older writing or dialect): You’ll generally see "tonight" written out.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Time of Day: "Tonight" always refers to the current night. It doesn't indicate a specific future night.
  • Placement: “Tonight” usually comes at the beginning of a sentence or phrase to indicate the timing.
  • Flow: "Tonight" sounds natural when you're talking about events, plans, or feelings connected to the present evening.

Do you want me to give you some more examples, or would you like to:

  • Practice using "tonight" in a sentence?
  • Ask about a specific situation where you’re wondering how to use the word?

Synonyms for the word tonight

Practice with vocabulary tonight

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The board meeting, initially scheduled for this afternoon, has been postponed until ______.
  2. I need to prepare my presentation for the conference; I'll be working late ______.
  3. The project manager requested that all team members submit their progress reports ______ the end of business hours tomorrow.
  4. Could you please ensure the main entrance is locked ______ you leave?

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. I'm really looking forward to the cultural festival opening ______. a) this morning b) tonight c) tomorrow evening d) last night

  2. Please confirm if you are available for a quick virtual meeting ______ to discuss the project timeline. a) this evening b) tonight c) at night d) on night

  3. Due to an urgent client request, our team will be working extra hours ______. a) today's night b) tonight c) for the night d) by night

  4. The workshop will commence ______ 9:00 AM sharp. a) at b) on c) in d) by

  5. We should aim to complete the first phase of the project ______ the next two weeks. a) in b) for c) by d) within

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The official announcement will be made at the end of today. Rewrite (using "tonight" or a related word form):

  2. Original: We have planned a special brainstorming session for this evening. Rewrite (using "tonight" or a related word form):

  3. Original: Please remember to double-check your work before submitting it. Rewrite (NOT using "tonight", but a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. tonight
  2. tonight
  3. by
  4. when

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) tonight
  2. a) this evening, b) tonight
  3. b) tonight
  4. a) at
  5. d) within

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The official announcement is scheduled for tonight.
  2. We have planned a special brainstorming session tonight.
  3. Please remember to double-check your work prior to submission.

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