This could precede cap and gown happening at the end of the day (5)
I believe the answer is:
night
This clue could be a double definition.
'this could precede cap and gown happening' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'the end of the day' is the second definition.
(night follows day)
'at' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for night that I've seen before include "death" , "8d [DARKNESS]" , "For most, the time for sleep" , "'Red sky at . . . . ., shepherd's delight'" , "Darkness; see you in the morning" .)