for a certain hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for a certain hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific time or duration that is not precisely defined. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for a certain hour, but the exact time will be confirmed later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thanks to multiple Nickelodeon channels (and DVRs), they never have to wait for a certain hour to watch Dora the Explorer or SpongeBob (sadly, this includes during rides in the minivan).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Badges are available for most check-ins during a contest, for timing-based check-ins (for example, the 50th check-in past a certain hour), and for checks-ins closest to specified times.

TechCrunch

Some companies today use Byte to offer food and drinks for free to employees who are working after a certain hour, for example.

TechCrunch

Banks typically allot employees a given amount for lunch, and a bigger dinner budget for workers who stay past a certain hour.

The New York Times

If movement is detected in a retail store after a certain hour, for instance, the Mod can automatically start recording video and alert the owner of the building via a text message.

The Guardian

So if we have e.g. three years of data available, we have only three observations for a public holiday at a certain hour, so the forecasting methods might struggle to capture the right behavior well.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

If you have to be up at a certain hour, set your alarm for earlier than usual.

WikiHow

Hours and time worked - Will you hire this person for a certain number of hours per month or per week?

WikiHow

"When the wind blows for a certain number of hours before the levees broke, it's a difficult call," said Joseph Annotti, the spokesman for the Property Casualty Insurers of America.

The New York Times

Our customers pay per trip, or pay an annual fee for a certain number of hours, just as customers do in a fractional arrangement.

The New York Times

To maintain their health coverage in states affected by the new guidelines, they will have to obtain a doctor's letter or prove that they have been working or studying for a certain number of hours a week.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a certain hour", ensure the context makes it clear why the specific hour is not being named. This adds an element of intentional ambiguity or confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid using "for a certain hour" when a specific time is known and relevant. Overusing vague language can make your writing seem evasive or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a certain hour" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurs. It indicates a particular, though unspecified, time. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a certain hour" is a prepositional phrase used to denote a specific, albeit unnamed, time. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and reveals its presence across various contexts such as news media, science, and wikis. While not frequently encountered, it serves the purpose of indicating a particular time without explicitly stating it, offering flexibility or discretion in communication. When writing, it's important to ensure that the context justifies the ambiguity; avoid vagueness if a precise time is known and relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a particular hour

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific but undefined time.

at a specific hour

Uses "specific" instead of "certain", highlighting a definite, though unnamed, time.

during a given hour

Employs "given" to suggest a designated but not explicitly stated time.

at an unspecified hour

Directly indicates that the exact hour is not being specified.

sometime within the hour

Indicates an action will occur at some point during the next hour.

at an approximate hour

Suggests the hour is not exact and only roughly indicated.

at a designated time

Shifts from "hour" to the broader "time", implying a pre-arranged moment.

at a set hour

Implies the hour is predetermined or fixed.

at an appointed hour

Suggests the hour has been formally arranged or decided.

within a defined time frame

Expands the scope to any defined period, not just an hour.

FAQs

How can I use "for a certain hour" in a sentence?

You can use "for a certain hour" to indicate that something happens at a specific time that is not explicitly stated. For example, "The library closes "for a certain hour" each day for cleaning."

What phrases are similar to "for a certain hour"?

Similar phrases include "at a particular hour", "at a specific hour", or "during a given hour". These all suggest a specific, but unnamed, time.

Is it better to use "for a certain hour" or specify the exact time?

It depends on the context. If the exact time is important and known, it's usually better to specify it. Use "for a certain hour" when the specific time is irrelevant or intentionally being kept vague.

In what situations would I use "for a certain hour"?

You might use "for a certain hour" when discussing events that occur regularly but the precise timing isn't crucial, or when the exact time is confidential or subject to change. For instance, "Security checks are performed "for a certain hour" to prevent theft."