At night and in the night

[CrOtALiTo]

Originally Posted by ROBINDESBOIS

Difference?

What the word only should be used when you are in a place.

For instance.

At the hospital.

At the Carlos's business.

[laepelba]

I think that I would use "in the night" when something happens in general terms:
- Children go to their parents' rooms in the night if they're scared.

But I would use "at night" for a more specific incidence:
- The boy goes to his parents' room at night if he's scared.

I think, anyway......

[irmamar]

Originally Posted by laepelba

I think that I would use "in the night" when something happens in general terms:
- Children go to their parents' rooms in the night if they're scared.

But I would use "at night" for a more specific incidence:
- The boy goes to his parents' room at night if he's scared.

I think, anyway......

I can't see the difference

I think it's quite difficult for a non-native speaker.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

I can't see the difference

Neither can I, really. The nuances are far too subtle.

[laepelba]

Originally Posted by irmamar

I can't see the difference

I think it's quite difficult for a non-native speaker.

I can understand that. Really, if you only use "at night", you'll sound fine. (Except when you say "things that go bump IN the night".)

[Perikles]

And what about Strangers In The Night? Here

[ROBINDESBOIS]

I think the difference is just that at night is a point of reference and in the night is a period, it is a point from midnight until it gets light.