yesterday afternoon
/ˈjɛstərˌdeɪ ˈæftərˌnuːn/the time period from noon to evening on the day before today
She called me yesterday afternoon to discuss the project.
The call was made during the afternoon of the previous day.
I was busy yesterday afternoon, so I couldn’t attend the meeting.
The speaker was occupied during the afternoon of the prior day.
Used to specify a past time frame without ambiguity. Often paired with past tense verbs.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Time Reference Clarity
Use 'yesterday afternoon' to avoid ambiguity when referring to past events. It clearly indicates the time frame without relying on context.
⚡Gold Rule
Correct Tense Usage
Always pair 'yesterday afternoon' with past tense verbs (e.g., 'I worked', 'She called'). Using it with present or future tense is incorrect.
📖Word Origin
The phrase combines 'yesterday' (Old English 'geostran dæg', meaning 'the day before today') and 'afternoon' (from 'after' + 'noon', Old English 'nōn' meaning 'midday'). The compound form emerged in Middle English as a way to specify a precise time in the past.
📝Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English to refer to a specific time in the recent past. It is often used with past simple tense verbs. Avoid using it for future or present contexts.