every three hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every three hours" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a recurring event or action that takes place at three-hour intervals. Example: "The medication should be taken every three hours to ensure its effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are to alternate Tylenol and Motrin every three hours.

The New Yorker

He also must undergo respiratory treatments every three hours.

The New York Times

(This is between pumping breast milk every three hours).

The New York Times

I have to take one every three hours, he said.

The New Yorker

"You must pump every three hours!" she announced.

The New Yorker

Every three hours I pour milk into her mouth.

The Guardian - Books

"We take digital photographs of the process every three hours.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We'll check the traps every three hours," says François.

The Guardian - Travel

In the United States, weather maps are issued every three hours by the National Weather Service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A city with nearly 250 homicides last month; about one every three hours.

The New York Times

Mr. Morgenthau said, "I didn't realize that she needed to eat something every three hours".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical dosages or schedules, use "every three hours" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, "Take one tablet "every three hours" as needed for pain."

Common error

Avoid using "every three hours" when you mean something lasting for three hours. Instead, say "for three hours" to indicate duration, not frequency. For example, say "The meeting lasted for three hours," not "The meeting was "every three hours"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every three hours" functions as an adverbial phrase of frequency, modifying a verb to indicate how often an action occurs. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "every three hours" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase indicating frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from medical instructions to event schedules. While alternatives like "at three-hour intervals" exist, "every three hours" is direct and widely understood. Remember to use it to indicate frequency, not duration. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and general content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at three-hour intervals

This phrase emphasizes the regularity and spacing of the occurrences.

at intervals of three hours

This phrase highlights the consistent separation between events.

every 3 hours

This is a numerical abbreviation, suitable for technical or concise writing.

on a three-hourly basis

This phrasing emphasizes the systematic and scheduled nature of the activity.

every third hour

This alternative provides a simple variation in phrasing.

three hourly

This adjective describes something that happens every three hours.

once every three hours

This phrase adds emphasis to the frequency of occurrence.

at a frequency of three hours

Highlights the rate at which something occurs.

each three hours

Similar to "every three hours", but slightly less common.

three times per day, approximately

A more descriptive phrase that allows for slight variations in timing.

FAQs

How can I use "every three hours" in a sentence?

Use "every three hours" to describe an action or event that repeats at three-hour intervals. For example, "The nurse checked on the patient "every three hours"." or "I need to take this medicine "every three hours"."

What are some alternatives to saying "every three hours"?

Alternatives include "at three-hour intervals", "every 3 hours", or "three hourly", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to write "every three hours" or "every 3 hours"?

"Every three hours" is generally preferred in formal writing. "Every 3 hours" is acceptable in informal or technical contexts where brevity is valued.

What's the difference between "every three hours" and "for three hours"?

"Every three hours" indicates frequency or recurrence, meaning something happens repeatedly at three-hour intervals. "For three hours" indicates duration, meaning something lasts continuously for a period of three hours. The phrases aren't interchangeable.