after certain hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after certain hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time period during which certain activities or rules apply, typically indicating a restriction or change in behavior. Example: "The building is only accessible to residents after certain hours for security reasons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the town where I live, securing a shopping cart at the supermarket is considered a contact sport after certain hours, and it is at times like that when a CART FAIRY would come in handy.

The New York Times

Companies should also implement the No BlackBerry Rule after certain hours and on weekends.

Forbes

Some alarm clock displays dim after certain hours, like when the sun sets.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To my horror, I found out that this included turning off all electronics after a certain hour and not allowing any into my bedroom after say 8 p.m.

Huffington Post

Silence may be required after a certain hour.

The New York Times - Travel

It got so bad that after a certain hour the audience wasn't allowed to clap.

The New York Times

They had to limit their children's movements after a certain hour, Ms. Fardan said.

The New York Times

On several American bases, entrance is forbidden to all Vietnamese, including ARVN soldiers, after a certain hour in the evening.

The New Yorker

Indeed, hostels are particularly safe, with doors locked after a certain hour at night and staff members at the reception desk 24 hours.

The New York Times - Travel

You can set up the device to silence its musical rings and chords after a certain hour of the night (or during class hours at school).

The New York Times - Tech

One explanation for the casting tradition is that when the play was first staged, back in 1904, minors weren't allowed to appear onstage after a certain hour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "after certain hours", ensure the context clearly defines what those hours are, either explicitly or through common knowledge (e.g., "after business hours").

Common error

Avoid using "after certain hours" without specifying the specific time frame, as it can lead to confusion. Provide a clear reference point to ensure clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after certain hours" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a time condition. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase indicates when certain actions or rules become applicable. The phrase describes when a specific action takes place.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after certain hours" is a phrase used to indicate a time-dependent condition or restriction, as verified by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct but relatively rare in usage. While the phrase appears across various contexts, including news and general information, clear specification of the 'certain hours' is crucial for avoiding ambiguity. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable. When clarity is paramount, consider replacing it with alternatives like "following specific times" or "past designated hours".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following specific times

Focuses on the adherence to a schedule after a set time.

past designated hours

Emphasizes that the time has exceeded what was initially specified.

beyond particular hours

Highlights a limit or boundary of time.

once a specific time passes

Highlights the passing of a moment.

subsequent to certain hours

More formal, emphasizing the sequence of events in time.

after a determined time

Indicates a pre-arranged or decided-upon time.

following specified hours

Highlights hours that have been officially defined.

outside of regular hours

Emphasizes a departure from the normal operating hours.

post-stipulated hours

More formal, suggesting hours that were agreed upon.

later than a certain time

Focuses on the concept of lateness or exceeding a given deadline.

FAQs

How can I use "after certain hours" in a sentence?

You can use "after certain hours" to indicate a change in rules or availability. For example, "The park is closed to the public "after certain hours" for maintenance".

What's a more formal alternative to "after certain hours"?

A more formal alternative is "subsequent to designated hours". This phrase is suitable for official notices or professional communication.

Is it always necessary to specify the exact hours when using "after certain hours"?

While specifying the hours provides clarity, it's not always necessary if the time is implied or generally understood within the context. For instance, "security protocols increase "after certain hours"" may imply nighttime.

What's the difference between "after certain hours" and "during certain hours"?

"After certain hours" means following a specific time, while "during certain hours" refers to actions or conditions that occur within a specific timeframe.