When does it make sense to say “goodnight” in English at 1 pm?
When should you say goodnight?
What can you say instead of goodnight?
What are some other native expressions about the day?
Get all of this and more in today’s episode!
Today we have a great listener question. Here is the question:
“Generally I see people say, “Have a nice night” or “goodnight” in the middle of the day. It is so strange to me for people to say that in the middle of the day. Why do they do that?”
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Our response to our listener:
You are hearing this at your child’s school from the teachers and bus drivers.
They will say “goodnight” at 1 pm because the kids are leaving school.
They won’t see them until the next day.
This only happens at schools. This phrase is not used anywhere else this early in the day.
Phrases you can use to say goodbye during the day:
- Enjoy the rest of your day: You could use this at any time during the day, at the drug store or if you run into a friend you can say this to someone
- Have a great rest of your day:
- Have a nice day: This would be used for someone helping you at a store.
What can you say when you leave work:
- Goodnight: This depends on who you are saying this to. You can say it to your colleagues if you are leaving them but you wouldn’t say it to your partner if you are just coming home and greeting them at this time.
- Have a great night: This means goodbye, it’s a nice casual and common thing to say
- Have a good one: This is also very common and casual when you want to say goodbye
- Take care: Learn more about “take care” in English
- See ya tomorrow
- Have a good evening
These can be used both day and night:
- Have a good one
- Take care
- See you next time
- See you tomorrow
Which of these phrases have you used?
Are you using any out-of-date phrases?
Let us know in the comments below.
