certain hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific time that is not precisely defined but is understood in context. Example: "We will meet at a certain hour to discuss the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's just trouble past a certain hour," Ms. Monjoy said.

The New York Times

Silence may be required after a certain hour.

The New York Times - Travel

(They might have to take readings past a certain hour).

The New York Times - Style

They were simply given photographs and told to kill at a certain hour.

The New York Times

A few years ago several bars imposed curfews, barring children past a certain hour.

The New York Times

Don't let anyone who doesn't belong in the apartment stay past a certain hour".

The New York Times

But now our daughter can't believe that we want her home at a certain hour.

The New York Times

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Restrict trucks to certain hours.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain hour" when you want to indicate a specific time without needing to specify it exactly. It's useful when the exact time is either not known or not important for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "certain hour" in highly formal or technical writing where precision is essential. In such cases, providing the exact time or a more specific timeframe is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain hour" functions as a noun phrase acting as an adverbial of time. It modifies a verb by indicating when an action occurs, without specifying an exact time. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to set a time limit or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain hour" is a versatile noun phrase used as an adverbial of time, indicating a specific but unspecified time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discourse. While neutral in register, it's best to avoid it in contexts requiring precise timing. Alternatives like "specific time" or "designated time" can be used when more clarity is needed. Remember, the effectiveness of "certain hour" lies in its imprecision, making it suitable when the exact time is either unknown or unimportant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific time

Replaces "hour" with a more general term, losing the focus on time of day.

particular time

Similar to 'specific time' but emphasizes the distinctiveness of the moment.

designated time

Implies a pre-arranged or assigned time.

appointed hour

Suggests a formal or scheduled meeting time.

fixed time

Emphasizes the immutability or established nature of the time.

given time

Indicates a time that has been provided or specified earlier.

set time

Similar to 'fixed time', highlighting that the time is pre-determined.

a specific moment

Shifts the focus to a brief instance rather than a period.

a particular point in time

A more verbose way of expressing a specific time.

some time

Less specific; only indicates a time without further detail.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain hour" when you want to refer to a specific time that is not precisely defined but is understood in context. For example, "The curfew begins at a "certain hour"."

What are some alternatives to "certain hour"?

Alternatives to "certain hour" include "specific time", "particular time", or "designated time", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain hour" or "a specific hour"?

"A certain hour" implies that the time is known but not specified, while "a specific hour" suggests a more precise and definite time. The best choice depends on the context and the level of precision required.

What does "certain hour" mean?

"Certain hour" refers to a particular time of day that is not explicitly stated but is either known by the speaker and listener or is determined by context. It is often used when the exact time is unimportant or implied.