During winter, I usually use a thick blanket at nights Premium

A column which helps improve your spoken English.

This word, which comes from the Latin ‘delectablilis’ meaning ‘delightful’, consists of four syllables. The first ‘e’ sounds like the ‘i’ in ‘sit’, ‘bit’ and ‘hit’, while the second syllable rhymes with ‘neck’, ‘peck’ and ‘deck’. The following ‘a’ is like the ‘a’ in ‘china’, while the final ‘ble’ is like the ‘ble’ in ‘terrible’ and ‘horrible’. The word is pronounced ‘di-LEK-te-bel’ with the stress on the second syllable. When you refer to an item of food as being ‘delectable’, what you mean is that it is very tasty; the item is not only delicious, but also visually appealing. The word can also be used with food items that smell good.

The gulab jamuns that I had yesterday were delectable.

The delectable smell of onion sambar emanated from the kitchen.

It is possible to use the word with people as well. When you say that someone is ‘delectable’, what you are suggesting is that the individual is very attractive. There was a time when the word was restricted to women; but nowadays, it is being used with both men and women.

In terms of grammar, both are acceptable. The two expressions, however, have very different meanings. ‘At night’ carries with it the suggestion that you are talking about all nights — not just any specific night. For example, when you say, ‘During summer, I have problems sleeping at night’, what you are suggesting is that during the summer months, you have problems falling asleep — not just on a particular night. Not being able to sleep is something that happens regularly during summer. If you say, ‘I couldn’t sleep in the night’, it suggests you are thinking of a particular night — perhaps the previous night. In this case, it does not necessarily mean the entire night. It could be just for a short span of time.

We hear strange noises at night. (Every night)

We heard strange noises in the night. (Last night)