around tea time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around tea time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the approximate time when tea is typically served, often in the late afternoon. Example: "We should plan to meet around tea time, so we can enjoy some refreshments together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This could be the most peaceful G8 Summit in its history if it remains quiet in Enniskillen this evening when the protests begin around tea time.

The Guardian

That's hardly a surprise, as each day around tea time, when England's usage peaks, a small clique of power plant owners take over the electricity auction, bidding up prices by 200 to 2,000 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Winning over there was a great result and good for his profile even if the arena was less than half full with the bout commencing around tea-time.

Independent

Around tea-time it came on the television that they had arrested a man in Sheffield in connection with the Yorkshire Ripper murders.

The Guardian - Books

"[Team bronze] came about on a quiet day, around tea-time with a big audience on TV," recalls performance director Tim Jones.

BBC

But I also think I would have been talked around at tea time for the good of the game.

BBC

The two-year-old bar and restaurant, which boasts original fixtures, terraces commanding 360-degree views and a cocktail list themed around times of the day (breakfast, tea time, "sundowning," midnight and so on), is on the cutting edge of a burgeoning cocktail scene, but it wasn't always like that.

Huffington Post

So it's a quick slough off at tea time.'" It was around this time that her status as a national treasure began to build, and over the years this has inspired some quotes that, even if jokey, are nauseating.

The Guardian

Cup of tea time.

The Guardian

Tea time's the noisiest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Does tea time mean family time?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "around tea time" to indicate an approximate timeframe, typically in the late afternoon, when tea is customarily served. It's suitable for both casual and slightly formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "around tea time" when a precise meeting time is required. It's best for indicating a general period rather than a fixed appointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around tea time" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a general timeframe. It modifies a verb or clause to specify when something occurs, aligning with Ludwig's examples showing its use to describe the timing of events or activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around tea time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier, indicating a general period in the late afternoon when tea is typically consumed. Ludwig indicates that it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to informal tone. When using this phrase, consider its approximate nature and opt for more precise language if an exact time is required. For formal settings, alternatives like "approximately tea time" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about teatime

Replaces "around" with "about", slightly reducing precision regarding timing.

approximately tea time

Substitutes "around" with "approximately", providing a more formal tone.

near tea time

Uses "near" instead of "around", indicating proximity in time.

at tea time

Indicates a more precise point in time when tea is typically served.

during tea time

Specifies an action or event happening within the period of tea time.

tea hour

Shortens "tea time" to "tea hour", implying the duration of time allocated for tea.

afternoon tea

Refers to the social event or meal, rather than just the time.

mid-afternoon

Indicates the general time frame when tea is typically enjoyed.

late afternoon

Similar to "mid-afternoon" but focuses on the later part of the afternoon.

in the late afternoon

Expands on "late afternoon" for greater emphasis and clarity.

FAQs

What does "around tea time" mean?

The phrase "around tea time" refers to the approximate time, usually in the late afternoon, when tea is traditionally consumed, often accompanied by light snacks or refreshments.

What can I say instead of "around tea time"?

You can use alternatives like "about teatime", "near tea time", or "in the late afternoon" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "around tea time" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, using phrases like "approximately tea time" or "in the late afternoon" might be more fitting for very formal settings.

How precise is the timeframe implied by "around tea time"?

The timeframe is not highly precise; it suggests a window of time, typically an hour or two, centered on the usual time for afternoon tea, which is generally between 3 PM and 5 PM.