Grammar - The Difference Between "At Night" and "In the Night"

"At Night" – General Time

Used for regular habits, routines, or general facts about nighttime.

Similar to "during the night" but more common in everyday speech.

Examples:

I usually watch TV at night. (Habit)
The streets are quiet at night. (General fact)
Bats are active at night. (Natural behavior)

"In the Night" – Specific Events

Used for particular, often unexpected events that happen during the night.

Suggests something unusual or noteworthy (memorable).

Examples:

I heard a loud noise in the night. (Specific incident)
The baby cried three times in the night. (Particular moments)
A fire broke out in the night. (Unexpected event) 

"At Night" vs. "In the Night"

1. ❌ "I had a nightmare at night."

• Why wrong? A nightmare is a specific, unexpected event (not a routine).
• Correct: "I had a nightmare in the night."
• Explanation: Use in the night for one-time occurrences (e.g., dreams, noises, accidents).

2. ❌ "She studies in the night every day."

• Why wrong? "Every day" makes this a habit/routine, not a single event.
• Correct: "She studies at night every day."
• Explanation: Use at night for repeated actions (e.g., studying, working, sleeping).

3. ❌ "A thief entered our house at night."

• Why wrong? A thief breaking in is a sudden, unusual event (not a general fact).
• Correct: "A thief entered our house in the night."
• Explanation: Use in the night for unexpected incidents (e.g., crimes, emergencies, surprises).

4. ❌ "Stars shine brightly in the night."

• Why wrong? This is a general fact about stars (not a single occurrence).
• Correct: "Stars shine brightly at night."
• Explanation: Use at night for scientific facts or regular observations (e.g., moon visibility, animal behavior).

ACTIVITIES

1 - Choose at night or in the night for each sentence.

2 - Describe a memorable experience you had during the night. Did something unusual happen? Or do you have a regular nighttime routine? Use "at night" and "in the night" correctly.

Example:

I usually read a book at night before sleeping. But last week, something strange happened in the night. I heard footsteps outside my window. I was scared and turned on the light. Later, I realized it was just a cat. Now, I always close my window at night!