hour spent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hour spent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the amount of time dedicated to a specific activity or task. Example: "The hour spent studying for the exam made a significant difference in my understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

An hour spent learning French is an hour spent not learning something else.

The Economist

That's more than an hour spent on Tinder each day.

The New York Times

Every hour spent reading is an hour spent learning to write; this continues to be true throughout a writer's career.

The Guardian - Books

Ad revenue per hour spent looking at newspapers' online editions actually rose from 2008 to 2012.

The Economist

Nor, finally, that any hour spent on art of lesser aesthetic value is never well spent.

The New York Times

Then there's the journey: around four hours of travel for every hour spent living the dream.

The Guardian - Travel

"And every hour spent doing X is time lost for Y".

The New York Times

After an hour spent in amicable silence, the Estonian produces a bottle of vodka and pours two glasses.

The Economist

(He and Bob Kane thought up the series in 1939 during an hour spent in Poe Park).

The New York Times

Every hour spent treating a patient in America creates at least 30 minutes of paperwork, and often a whole hour.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even if it's only the odd half-hour spent preparing one of your tables, it'll be worth it.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the value or return on investment of time, use "hour spent" to highlight the activity's significance. For example, "An "hour spent" learning a new skill can significantly improve your career prospects."

Common error

Avoid using "hour spent" without considering the opportunity cost. Recognize that time allocated to one activity means time not available for another. For example, instead of saying "Every "hour spent" gaming is beneficial", acknowledge the trade-offs: "Every "hour spent" gaming is an hour not spent on studying or exercising."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hour spent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies time devoted to an action, often highlighting the impact or consequence of that time, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hour spent" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression widely used to denote the allocation of time to a specific activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While highly common, it's important to consider the opportunity cost associated with the time allocation and select the most contextually appropriate alternative, such as "time invested" or "period dedicated", for nuanced communication. The phrase's frequency and reliability across authoritative sources underscore its value in both formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time invested

Focuses on the effort put into an activity, emphasizing the value gained.

period dedicated

Highlights the allocation of a specific time frame for a particular purpose.

time allocated

Emphasizes the formal assignment of time to a task.

moment devoted

Stresses the commitment and focus during that specific time.

duration utilized

Highlights the effective use of time for a given activity.

interval engaged

Emphasizes active participation within a set timeframe.

session committed

Focuses on a single block of time dedicated to an activity.

day expended

Highlights that one day was spent in an activity.

minutes consumed

Illustrates the amount of minutes spent in an activity.

effort invested

Focuses on the energy and resources used in the duration

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using "hour spent" in writing?

Consider using alternatives like "time invested", "period dedicated", or "moment devoted" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

How does the context affect the use of "hour spent"?

The context dictates whether "hour spent" emphasizes effort, dedication, or simply the passage of time. For instance, in academic writing, it might highlight study time; in business, it could refer to productivity; and in personal narratives, it might describe leisure activities.

Is "hour spent" formal or informal?

"Hour spent" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it appropriate for academic papers, news articles, and casual conversations. The formality of the surrounding language usually determines the overall tone.

Can "hour spent" be used with any activity?

Yes, "hour spent" can be used with virtually any activity. The key is to ensure the activity is clearly specified, providing context and relevance to the statement. For example, "An "hour spent" volunteering" or "An "hour spent" coding".