a brief hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a short period of time that goes by quickly. For example: "I was able to get a lot of work done in a brief hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They were not dwarfed by the square they were standing in, and for a brief hour, their plinth had come.

The Guardian - Opinion

During a brief hour of peacetime, I took aside one of my bullies and asked him why people were mocking my nose.

The New York Times

In 1814, after years of war, Vienna was to enjoy a brief hour of glory before the Austrian economy collapsed and the city sank into a state of dowdy provincialism that lasted for nearly 40 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Our simulations also suggest that simple reservoir engineering measures, such as a brief (hours) preflush with fresh water, can mitigate adverse effects.

Energy Procedia

The consequences of reentry of ejecta into Earth's atmosphere would include a brief (hours long) but intense pulse of infrared radiation, killing exposed organisms.

Wikipedia

Gen. Yitzhak Eitan told reporters at a briefing hours after three missiles fired from an Apache helicopter killed Hussein Obaiyat, along with two middle-aged women standing near his van in Beit Sahur, near Bethlehem.

The New York Times

Just "not being treated differently" is, in fact, a treat; a few brief hours in a world where sexism just doesn't exist.

The Guardian - Tech

For a few brief hours, a "wish tree" flourished in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, and the hopeful and the heartbroken pinned their desires to an English elm.

The New York Times

I've seen proposals, breakups, spontaneous eruptions to Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer," and endless tides of people dancing and laughing, forgetting for a few brief hours whatever anxieties might wait for them on the other side of our door.

Vice

Somehow, we had managed to have lunch for seven and a half brief hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the fussing and anxiety lasted a few brief hours, and I'm still savoring the flowers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brief hour" to emphasize the limited amount of time available or the swift passage of time within a specific context. This phrase is suitable when the brevity of the time is a significant factor.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief hour" when a more neutral description of time is needed. The phrase carries an implication of scarcity or speed, which may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief hour" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "hour". It indicates a specific, limited duration of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief hour" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short duration of time. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its correctness and contextual usage across various domains such as news, encyclopedias and science. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the brevity of time. Consider using synonyms like "a short hour" or "a fleeting hour" to tailor the expression to the specific nuance you want to convey. When used in writing, be mindful of the connotation of scarcity or urgency that the phrase may imply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short hour

Replaces "brief" with its direct synonym "short", emphasizing the limited duration.

a fleeting hour

Substitutes "brief" with "fleeting", highlighting the quick passage of time.

a quick hour

Uses "quick" instead of "brief", denoting the rapid passing of the hour.

a momentary hour

Emphasizes the transience of the hour using the word "momentary".

a passing hour

Highlights the act of time moving forward with the word "passing".

a concise hour

Focuses on the compact nature of the hour, implying it's efficiently used or perceived.

a limited hour

Emphasizes the constraint of time with "limited", suggesting a defined boundary.

a compact hour

Similar to "concise", suggesting the hour is packed or condensed.

a transient hour

Implies that the hour is not permanent or lasting.

a fast hour

Simple substitution highlighting the speed at which the hour seems to pass.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief hour" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief hour" to describe a short period of time, such as: "During "a brief hour" of peace, they rested."

What are some alternatives to "a brief hour"?

Alternatives include "a short hour", "a fleeting hour", or "a quick hour", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a brief hour" formal or informal?

"A brief hour" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal writing might benefit from more precise language, while informal writing may use it for stylistic effect.

Can "a brief hour" imply something negative?

While generally neutral, "a brief hour" can sometimes imply a sense of urgency or that the time was insufficient for a task. Context is key to determining its connotation.