an hour preceding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an hour preceding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time that is one hour before a specific event or moment. Example: "Please arrive at the meeting an hour preceding the scheduled start time to ensure everything is set up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For about half an hour preceding the headache, he had experienced bright flashes of light in both his visual fields, which was followed by severe throbbing headache accompanied by photophobia, nausea and vomiting.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Family will receive friends at a calling hour preceding the funeral from 9 30-10 30am at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, Great Barrington.

The New York Times

They are especially prone to yawning in the hour immediately after waking and the hour preceding their usual bedtimes.

The New Yorker

High/low eTN subsets are chosen according to the average value <eTN> during one full hour preceding the substorm onset.

Earth, Planets and Space

In a longitudinal field study of thermal comfort in an office building in Sydney, weightings were applied to self-reported activity rates to account for decay over the hour preceding the report.

Journal of Thermal Biology

Fluid, doses of the vasopressor, and sedation drugs were kept constant in the hour preceding the measurements and throughout the study period.

Annals of Intensive Care

They showed that another drug had been administered through the insulin infusion line during the hour preceding the hypoglycaemic event in more than 8 of 10 events.

Annals of Intensive Care

In the half hour preceding the interval, Australia had added 64 runs.

Wikipedia

All measures of arterial stiffness will be taken in the hour preceding dialysis.

BMC Nephrology

The physical examination was performed during the half hour preceding the MRI scan.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

The exposure during the hour preceding the OHCA was designated lag1.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a deadline or schedule, use "an hour preceding" to clearly indicate the cut-off time, ensuring everyone understands the required lead time.

Common error

Avoid substituting "preceding" with prepositions like 'after' or 'following', as they reverse the intended meaning and can cause confusion about the timing of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an hour preceding" acts as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something happens in relation to a particular event. It indicates a duration immediately before a given point in time, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an hour preceding" accurately specifies a period of time that is one hour before a certain event. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its use in science, news, and general reference contexts. While "one hour before" serves as a more common alternative, "an hour preceding" provides a slightly more formal option. Remember to avoid confusing it with phrases that indicate time after the event. Ludwig AI, confirms that the phrase is usable in written English to refer to a time that is one hour before a specific event or moment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one hour before

This is a more straightforward and common way to express the same time relationship, using simpler vocabulary.

the hour immediately preceding

Adds emphasis by using 'immediately' and maintains the formality with 'preceding'.

an hour prior to

This alternative uses 'prior to' instead of 'preceding', adding a slightly more formal tone.

in the hour before

This variation emphasizes the duration leading up to the event, specifying that it occurs within that timeframe.

the hour leading up to

This phrase highlights the idea of anticipation or build-up as the time approaches the event.

sixty minutes before

This is a more precise and less common way of saying "an hour before" using a specific time measurement.

one hour in advance of

Similar to 'prior to', this option suggests preparation or planning before the event.

an hour ahead of

This alternative uses 'ahead of' to convey the time difference, focusing on the position in time relative to the event.

in the immediate hour before

This phrase emphasizes the closeness in time, specifying that it's the very next hour.

the last hour before

This option focuses on finality, indicating that it's the concluding hour before the event takes place.

FAQs

How can I use "an hour preceding" in a sentence?

Use "an hour preceding" to denote a period of time that is exactly one hour before a specific event. For example: "The briefing will be held "an hour preceding" the launch."

What's a simpler way to say "an hour preceding"?

You can replace "an hour preceding" with phrases like "one hour before" or "an hour prior to" for a more common expression.

Is there a difference between "an hour preceding" and "an hour after"?

"An hour preceding" refers to the 60 minutes just before an event, while "an hour after" signifies the 60 minutes immediately following it. These phrases indicate opposite time frames.

When is it best to use "an hour preceding" instead of "one hour before"?

While both are correct, "an hour preceding" lends a slightly more formal tone. Use it in contexts where precision and a higher degree of formality are preferred, such as in scientific papers or official announcements.