during odd hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during odd hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to times that are unusual or not typical, often outside of regular working hours. Example: "The store is open during odd hours to accommodate customers with varying schedules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They will have time for some physical activity during odd hours; at that point either the gym will be closed or won't be open, or distance might be an issue too.

Harvard University

Online courses tend to be more flexible regarding scheduling, so this might be your best option if you only have time to study during odd hours.

Huffington Post

Not to mention the fact that TJ's and the farmers markets operate during odd hours, which makes it difficult for working class people to shop there because clocking out for a TJ's run is rarely an option.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The catering company runs a small café in the market to feed the workers during their odd hours.

Huffington Post

Questions and comments were posted on these tools even during holidays, weekends and odd hours.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Maybank: We used to attend the sample sales in New York at odd hours during the day -- that informed the idea.

Huffington Post

CEDAH would function across thousands of fragmenting sectors: local journeys and overnight accommodation of course, but also babysitting, collecting neighbors' shopping, working odd hours during peaks in a shop, contact center or café, homecare, hiring a video games console or renting out a bike.

Huffington Post

Mrs. Fair, who has limited mobility because of diabetes, lives on $642 per month in Social Security widow's benefits, and relies on care from her son, who often works odd hours, especially during blueberry season.

The New York Times

I have been fortunate that I have been able to keep my "research hand" in during the past 5 years, spending odd hours in the lab and getting a publication or two.

Science Magazine

Luna also said the app will cause a phone to repeatedly send out an alarm until a message is answered, something that is critical for when commanders need to contact one another during a high-profile incident at odd hours.

Los Angeles Times

The antidoping agency drew samples from many riders before the Tour to use as baseline data to compare against during the race, when it also tested riders unexpectedly at odd hours.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during odd hours" to clearly indicate that something occurs outside of a typical schedule. This is especially useful in contexts like customer service, work schedules, or availability.

Common error

Avoid using "during odd hours" when you simply mean 'late' or 'early'. The phrase specifically implies an irregular or atypical schedule, not just any time outside of 9-to-5.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during odd hours" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something happens at unusual or atypical times.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during odd hours" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to describe activities or events taking place at unusual or atypical times. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for a variety of contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, and academia contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether a more formal alternative like "at unconventional times" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at unusual times

Focuses on the irregularity of the timing, using more general terms.

during unconventional hours

Highlights the non-standard nature of the hours.

at irregular hours

Emphasizes the lack of a fixed schedule.

in the small hours

Specifically refers to the early hours of the morning.

outside normal business hours

Specifically contrasts with standard working times.

after hours

Implies a time after the usual operating period.

during off-peak times

Suggests times when activity is lower than usual.

at unscheduled moments

Highlights the unexpected nature of the timing.

at random times

Emphasizes the lack of predictability in timing.

around the clock

Implies continuous activity at all times, including unusual ones.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "during odd hours" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "at "unconventional times"" or "outside of standard operating hours". These options provide a similar meaning with a more professional register.

What does "during odd hours" imply about a business's operation?

When a business operates "during odd hours", it suggests that the business is available at times that are not typical for most businesses, such as late nights, early mornings, or weekends. This can cater to customers with varied schedules.

Is it correct to use "at odd hours" instead of "during odd hours"?

Yes, both "at odd hours" and "during odd hours" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What are some common situations where the phrase "during odd hours" is typically used?

The phrase "during odd hours" is commonly used when discussing work schedules, gym availability, customer service, or any activity that occurs outside of typical daytime hours. Examples include "The gym is open during odd hours" or "Customer support is available "around the clock"".