ENGLISH
REFERENCE

good evening

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. A polite greeting you use when you meet someone in the evening.

fixed phr.. A conventional formula used as a greeting in the evening, typically from around 6 p.m. or sunset onwards.


SIMPLE

"Good evening," the host said, opening the door.

CONTEXTUAL

The news anchor always starts the 7 p.m. broadcast with a calm "Good evening."

COMPLEX

As the final guests arrived for the formal dinner party, the butler greeted them with a crisp, "Good evening."

Usage

This is used only as a greeting, never as a way to say goodbye.

Teaching tip

Contrast directly with 'Good night', which is a farewell phrase, to prevent a very common learner error.

Pitfall

I'm leaving the party now. Good evening everyone!I'm leaving the party now. Good night everyone!'Good evening' is for arriving or meeting; 'Good night' is for leaving or going to sleep.

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