Is ‘Yesterday Night’ Proper Grammar- Debunking the Mystery of Time Expression Usage
Is yesterday night proper grammar? This question may seem simple at first glance, but it actually touches on a deeper issue in English grammar. In this article, we will explore the correctness of using “yesterday night” and provide some insights into the nuances of English grammar.
The phrase “yesterday night” is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the evening of the previous day. However, some people might question whether it is grammatically correct. To answer this question, we need to delve into the rules of English grammar and the history of the language.
Firstly, it is important to understand that “yesterday” and “night” are both nouns. In English, when combining two nouns to form a phrase, we typically use a hyphen to create a compound noun. This is true for many compound nouns in English, such as “sister-in-law,” “mother-in-law,” and “brother-in-law.” However, the use of a hyphen in compound nouns can be somewhat flexible, and it is not always necessary.
In the case of “yesterday night,” the hyphen is often omitted. This is because “yesterday” and “night” are often used together in conversation without a hyphen. In fact, the phrase “yesterday night” is widely accepted in both spoken and written English. Therefore, we can conclude that “yesterday night” is proper grammar, even without the hyphen.
Moreover, the phrase “yesterday night” has been used in literature and official documents for centuries. For example, in the novel “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, we find the sentence, “I shall not attempt to defend myself this evening, for I know that yesterday night was my fault.” This demonstrates that the phrase has been in use for a long time and is considered proper grammar.
However, it is worth noting that some style guides may have specific rules regarding compound nouns. For instance, the Associated Press Stylebook suggests using a hyphen in compound nouns when they act as adjectives before a noun. In this case, “yesterday night” would be considered a compound adjective, and the hyphen would be necessary. However, this rule is not universally followed, and many writers and speakers choose to omit the hyphen.
In conclusion, “yesterday night” is proper grammar, whether or not the hyphen is used. The phrase has been widely accepted in English for centuries and is used in both spoken and written communication. While some style guides may recommend using a hyphen, it is not a strict grammatical rule, and the phrase is considered correct without the hyphen.
