at certain hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at certain hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific times during the day when something occurs or is available. Example: "The library is open to the public at certain hours, so please check the schedule before your visit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At certain hours -- particularly on some evenings -- forget it.

The New York Times

And gates that allow passage between the neighborhoods are still sealed at certain hours.

The New York Times - Travel

Most people like to travel at certain hours or on certain days; the same holds for some types of freight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Congolese workers were barred from the European sections at certain hours, and often refused service at businesses catering to whites.

The Guardian

So the revised idea is that it would switch to electricity from wind at certain hours and save the wood pulp for burning as needed later.

The New York Times

Even when Mr. Measer repainted the rooms gray, his new house appeared unwilling to butch up: sunlight would stream in at certain hours and reveal the pink undercoat.

The New York Times

"Your phone has to be available at certain hours, and if you don't follow the rules, it's a good way to lose custody".

The New York Times

Similarly, parking docks can be full at certain hours, making it difficult or impossible for users to return the bikes when they've reached their destinations.

Cornell University

Limousines from New Jersey, for example, at certain hours may drop off passengers at New York airports, but may not pick up passengers for the return trip.

The New York Times

"You can cross those borders only at certain hours of the day, and ISIS was making the guys antsy," he said.

The New Yorker

The Air Transport Association maintains that charging more for planes to land at certain hours or in certain places will simply drive up costs and force fare increases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify the timezone along with the time

Common error

Avoid using "at certain hours" without providing context. Always specify which hours are being referred to and the corresponding activity. Vague references can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at certain hours" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurs or a condition is applicable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it pinpoints specific, though not explicitly defined, times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at certain hours" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something occurs or is available only during specific times. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, science, and formal business settings. While it is versatile, it is important to provide sufficient context to clarify which hours are being referenced. Alternatives like "at particular times" or "during specific hours" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember, clear communication depends on precise details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at particular times

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing specific instances within a broader timeframe.

during specific hours

Uses "during" to highlight the activity happening within those hours and "specific" to emphasize exactness.

at designated times

Implies the hours have been officially set or scheduled.

during select hours

Suggests that only some hours are applicable, implying a choice or restriction.

at scheduled hours

Indicates the hours are part of a pre-arranged timetable.

at specific times of day

Adds "of day" for emphasis on the daily cycle.

during certain periods

Shifts from "hours" to "periods", broadening the timeframe to include times longer than an hour.

at specified times

Suggests that the times have been explicitly stated or defined.

during limited hours

Highlights the restricted availability during these times.

at fixed times

Emphasizes the immutability of the times in question.

FAQs

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

You can use "at certain hours" to specify the times when something is available or occurs. For example, "The museum is open "at certain hours" on weekends".

What are some alternatives to saying "at certain hours"?

Alternatives include "at particular times", "during specific hours", or "during select hours", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at certain hours" or "during certain hours"?

Both "at certain hours" and "during certain hours" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I make the phrase "at certain hours" more specific?

To be more specific, you can include the actual hours being referred to, such as "at certain hours between 9 AM and 5 PM", or provide more context about the activity happening during those hours.