great hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a work schedule that is favorable or enjoyable, often referring to flexible or convenient working times. Example: "I really appreciate my job because it offers great hours that allow me to balance work and personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We never knew if it would be a few great hours, or just torture," she said.

The New York Times

Holy Friday will lead us to the service of the Great Hours in the morning, the service of the Unnailing in the afternoon, and in the evening the soul-rending service of Lamentations.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was a great hour," he said.

The New York Times

As for the Renaissance, this was the Vatican's great hour upon the stage.

The New Yorker

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke of "a truly great hour for America" that offered "a multitude of opportunities".

The New York Times

While Ginny's debut is a fitting subject for a great hour of television, what will Pitch look like in the future?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By its rejection of conventional classical imagery and its effective portrayal of Marlborough's military genius, it was an immediate success that perfectly expressed the nation's great hour of victory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'm not just happy to do an hour; I'm ready to do a great hour.

Vice

The great hour bell, cast by Johann Reber, has remained unchanged since the tower's reconstruction in 1405.

Wikipedia

Liberal frontbencher Paul Martin (whose son Paul Martin, Jr. would later become Prime Minister), called Diefenbaker's response "one of the greatest devastating speeches" and "Diefenbaker's great hour".

Wikipedia

We spent two days roaming the area: a damp dawn at Discovery Point, windy dusk at Watchman Overlook and a great hour at Rogue River Gorge, outside the park boundary.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "great hours" to describe a job, specify what makes the hours favorable (e.g., flexibility, predictability, short duration) to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "great hours" in contexts where 'long hours' or 'many hours' would be more accurate. "Great" implies a positive attribute, so ensure the hours are genuinely beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great hours" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "great" modifies "hours". According to Ludwig, it indicates that the hours are particularly advantageous or desirable, offering flexibility or convenience.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great hours" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe favorable or desirable working times. Ludwig indicates that this term is often used in the context of job descriptions or discussions about work-life balance. While generally considered neutral in register, it implies a positive attribute, suggesting convenience, flexibility, or other benefits associated with the work schedule. Common alternatives include "excellent working hours" or "favorable work schedule". Be mindful to use this phrase when the 'hours' truly represent a positive aspect of the situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent working hours

Replaces "great" with a synonym emphasizing the positive quality of the hours.

favorable work schedule

Focuses on the positive arrangement of working times.

convenient work hours

Emphasizes the ease and suitability of the working times.

extended working hours

Highlights the duration of the work period.

significant time period

Shifts the focus to an important duration or era.

remarkable duration

Highlights the unusual length or importance of a time span.

opportune moment

Focuses on a specific instance that is highly favorable or advantageous.

golden opportunity

Implies a valuable and unmissable chance within a specific timeframe.

prime of life

Refers to the most productive and fulfilling years of someone's life, a broader timeframe.

peak performance time

Emphasizes the period when someone is at their most effective.

FAQs

How can I describe a job with good working hours?

Instead of saying "great hours", you could use alternatives such as "excellent working hours", "favorable work schedule", or "convenient work hours" depending on the specific benefits of the job's hours.

Is it correct to say "great hours" to describe working times?

Yes, saying "great hours" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, be sure the context makes clear why the hours are considered favorable, as it implies a positive attribute to the working times. Consider alternatives like "good working hours" for a more neutral tone.

What does it mean when someone says "great hours" at a job?

Typically, "great hours" implies the job offers favorable working times, which could include flexible schedules, predictable shifts, shorter workdays, or other benefits that make the hours desirable. It's best to ask for clarification to understand the specific advantages.

What's the difference between "great hours" and "long hours"?

"Great hours" indicates favorable or desirable working times, whereas "long hours" simply refers to extended periods of work. While long hours can sometimes be well-compensated or lead to career advancement, "great hours" always implies a positive attribute related to the work schedule.