exactly one hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly one hour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when specifying a precise duration of time, often in contexts like scheduling or time management. Example: "The meeting will last exactly one hour, so please be prepared to discuss all agenda items within that timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It took them exactly one hour to pass on my credibility and credit worthiness.

Huffington Post

She gives me an elbow bump, rather than a fist bump, because her hands are still wet from a visit to the loo, seats herself on a leather sofa, and proceeds to talk at high speed for exactly one hour.

The Guardian - Music

"Having a cup of coffee exactly one hour before the race was part of my routine".

The New York Times - Health

He gives the residents exactly one hour and 20 minutes to vacate the city.

The New York Times

I preheat the oven to at least 400 degrees and roast the pricked duck for exactly one hour.

The New York Times - Food

Tells about the Party Congress held at Nanterre, where he was given exactly one hour to refute it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

One hour before we start our meal, I roast it again at the same high temperature for exactly one more hour, regardless of the size of the duck.

The New York Times - Food

For one hour exactly Zhang remained still.

The Guardian - Arts

Breakfast was exactly a half hour long, followed by exactly 45 minutes of piano practice, one hour of "playground games," half an hour of reading out loud, another half hour of reading quietly, a half hour of board games, a half hour lunch, an hour of Lego time, and on and on.

Vice

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Vice

After conducting an informal entrance poll for almost an hour, I encountered exactly one John McCain voter.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly one hour" when you need to emphasize the precision and limited duration of an event, meeting, or task. For instance, "The presentation will last exactly one hour, so be sure to cover all key points efficiently."

Common error

Avoid using "exactly one hour" when a general estimate is sufficient. Using it unnecessarily can make your communication sound overly rigid or pedantic. For instance, saying "I'll be there in about an hour" is often more natural than "I'll be there in exactly one hour."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly one hour" functions as a modifier of time, specifying a duration with precision. Ludwig examples showcase its use in scheduling, quantifying activity duration, and setting deadlines. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly one hour" serves to clearly specify a duration, enhancing precision in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it stands as grammatically correct and easily adaptable across diverse communication styles. While alternatives such as "precisely one hour" or "one full hour" offer subtle nuances, the core function remains consistent: marking time with exactitude. Remember to use this phrase when precision is key and avoid overuse to maintain natural communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely one hour

Replaces "exactly" with "precisely", emphasizing accuracy.

one full hour

Highlights the completeness of the hour.

one hour sharp

Adds a sense of punctuality and definiteness.

just one hour

Implies that the duration is limited or brief.

a single hour

Emphasizes the singularity and limited nature of the hour.

a period of one hour

More formal phrasing, using "period" to specify the duration.

for a duration of one hour

More verbose and formal way of expressing the same duration.

a span of one hour

Uses "span" to denote the length of time.

sixty minutes exactly

Breaks down the hour into minutes, reinforcing the exactness.

to the hour

Implies a precise timing, often related to something starting on the hour.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly one hour" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly one hour" to specify a precise duration. For example, "The workshop will run for "exactly one hour", so please be punctual".

What can I say instead of "exactly one hour"?

Alternatives include "precisely one hour", "one full hour", or "a single hour", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "exactly an hour" or "exactly one hour"?

"Exactly one hour" is generally preferred for its precision and clarity. "Exactly an hour" is grammatically correct but can sound less formal. The choice depends on context and desired level of formality.

When should I use "exactly one hour" versus "about an hour"?

Use "exactly one hour" when the duration is fixed and precise. Use "about an hour" when the time is an estimate and can vary slightly.