extra hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extra hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional hour of time, often in the context of scheduling or time management. Example: "I decided to stay at the office for an extra hour to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leave an extra hour.

The Guardian - Sport

Got an extra hour?

The New York Times

The extra hour given back to eternity.

The New Yorker

Have an extra hour or 100?

The New York Times

SUNDAY, NOV. 6 Loved the extra hour of sleep.

The New York Times

It took an extra hour and a half".

The New York Times

And Mr. Males would sleep an extra hour.

The New York Times

What would you do with an extra hour?

Harvard Business Review

It means an extra hour in the garden..

The New York Times

Some reading for your extra hour of sunlight.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"... too bad you live... have an extra hour..."...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling tasks, realistically assess how much you can accomplish in an hour. Don't overestimate what you can do in an "extra hour", or you might end up with incomplete work and increased stress.

Common error

Don't fall into the trap of thinking an "extra hour" will automatically translate into productive work. Plan how you'll use it effectively, or it might slip away without much to show for it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extra hour" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a period of 60 minutes that is additional or unexpected. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it modifies verbs related to time management, work, or leisure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extra hour" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to an additional or unexpected hour of time. Ludwig confirms that it is frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. It often describes time allocation, productivity, or leisure activities. While generally neutral in register, its usage can be tailored to suit both formal and informal settings. Given its wide applicability and clear meaning, "extra hour" is a versatile phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional hour

Replaces "extra" with "additional", maintaining the same meaning of an added hour.

spare hour

Suggests an hour that is free or available, similar to having an extra hour.

bonus hour

Implies an hour gained unexpectedly, similar to an extra hour.

free hour

Highlights the availability of an hour, similar to having an extra hour for a task.

additional time

Broadens the scope to any extra time, not just an hour.

extended hour

Focuses on the lengthening of time by an hour.

supplemental hour

A more formal way of saying "extra hour", implying something added for completeness.

unscheduled hour

Highlights that the hour was not originally planned.

unexpected hour

Emphasizes the surprise element of having an extra hour.

twenty-fifth hour

A figurative way of representing an impossible or rare extra hour.

FAQs

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

You can use "extra hour" in a sentence like: "I decided to dedicate an "extra hour" to studying for the exam." or "The meeting ran over, so we had to spend an "extra hour" at the office".

What are some alternatives to saying "extra hour"?

Alternatives to "extra hour" include "additional hour", "spare hour", or "bonus hour", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an extra hour" or "a extra hour"?

It is correct to say "an extra hour" because "extra" starts with a vowel sound. Therefore, the indefinite article "an" is used instead of "a".

How does Daylight Saving Time relate to an "extra hour"?

During the fall, when Daylight Saving Time ends, people often gain an "extra hour" of sleep as the clocks are turned back. This means the day technically has an "additional hour", although it's mostly used for sleeping.