depending on the hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depending on the hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may change or vary based on the specific time of day. Example: "The availability of the service may vary, depending on the hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I had different tactics depending on the hour," she said.

The New York Times

SOUND LEVEL Loud, louder or loudest, depending on the hour and your table.

The New York Times - Food

A taxi to downtown Zurich ranges from $44 to $51, depending on the hour.

The New York Times

But the rules for broadcasters change depending on the hour that certain words are uttered.

The New York Times

Depending on the hour, and taste of the station master, passengers walk to platforms accompanied by the sound of music.

The Guardian - Travel

Atlantis, the viewing submarine operated from Hilton's dock, costs $59 to $89 ,depending on the hour of departure.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Then, depending on the hours it works and what it is being used for, you do maintenance and other inspections during the year.

The New York Times

"Universal credit payments will adjust automatically depending on the hours a person works to ensure that people whose hours may change are financially supported and do not face the hassle and bureaucracy of switching their benefit claims".

The Guardian

Your income fluctuates depending on the hours your employer gives you week to week (or tips you get day-to-day), and your wages barely cover your expenses each month.

The Washington Post

"Universal credit payments will adjust automatically depending on the hours a person works to ensure that people whose hours may change are financially supported and do not face the hassle and bureaucracy of switching their benefit claims," the spokesman added.

BBC

A National Bureau of Economic Research study in November 2016 found drivers in six major metropolitan areas earned around $18 an hour, not taking into account hourly costs varying from $2.94 to $6.46 per hour depending on the hours they worked and the vehicle they drove.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depending on the hour" to clearly indicate that a factor or outcome changes based on the specific time. For instance, "Traffic patterns vary, depending on the hour."

Common error

Avoid using "depending on the hour" when referring to general periods like morning or evening. Instead, use phrases like "depending on the time of day" or specify the period, such as "depending on the morning."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depending on the hour" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action, condition, or state is contingent upon the specific time of day. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correctly used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "depending on the hour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something varies based on the specific time of day. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate in a variety of contexts and conveys contingency effectively. While versatile, ensure it's used correctly to denote specific times rather than broader periods. Consider alternatives like "according to the hour" or "varying with the hour" for nuanced expression. With sources spanning news, science, and general knowledge, it's a reliable phrase for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depending on the time of day

Replaces "hour" with the more general "time of day".

according to the hour

Offers a direct substitution for "depending on", maintaining a similar level of formality.

varying with the hour

Replaces "depending" with "varying" emphasizing the change over time.

subject to the hour

Uses "subject to" to indicate dependence, creating a slightly more formal tone.

determined by the hour

Highlights that the hour is the deciding factor.

contingent on the hour

Employs "contingent on" for a more emphatic indication of dependence, resulting in a more formal tone.

based on what time it is

Simplifies the phrase for a more informal tone.

as the hour changes

Focuses on the change in time as the driver of the variation.

relative to the hour

Uses "relative to" to express how something is connected to a specific time.

at different times of day

Generalizes the time aspect, losing the direct contingency.

FAQs

How can I use "depending on the hour" in a sentence?

Use "depending on the hour" to show that something changes based on the specific time. For example, "The price of electricity fluctuates, "depending on the hour".

What can I say instead of "depending on the hour"?

You can use alternatives like "according to the hour", "depending on the time of day", or "varying with the hour".

Is it correct to say "depending of the hour" instead of "depending on the hour"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "on". The phrase is "depending on the hour", not "depending of the hour".

What’s the difference between "depending on the hour" and "depending on the day"?

"Depending on the hour" refers to changes based on the time of day, while "depending on the day" indicates changes based on the specific day of the week or month.