hours like these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hours like these" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific times or situations that are particularly significant or challenging. Example: "In hours like these, we must come together and support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Jail is a difficult place at the best of times, and a torture in hours like these when freedom hangs in the balance.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These few hours like the blink of a great eye — just enough light to check that the world is still there, before shutting back down.

The New Yorker

Opt for off-hours (like mornings).

Huffington Post

To spend a couple of hours like this was fun".

Independent

I spent several hours like this". .

Huffington Post

"I work day to day, five days a week, eight hours, like the American dream".

Los Angeles Times

"I'd like these three hours this afternoon to be an oasis of stress-free time," Ms. Louis-Marie said.

The New York Times

They passed like afternoon hours, like breath.

The New Yorker

They have 24 hours like everybody else.

The New York Times

I'd been asleep for eight hours like that.

Independent

Duty Hours, Like Milestones, Were Not Studied Before Implementation.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hours like these" to refer to specific times that are particularly challenging or significant. For example: In "hours like these", it's important to remain calm and focused.

Common error

Avoid using "hours like these" in casual conversation. It's more suitable for formal writing or serious discussions. In informal situations, consider using "times like these" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hours like these" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe the circumstances or conditions surrounding an action or event. It sets a specific, often critical or challenging, temporal context. As shown in Ludwig, it adds emotional weight to the sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hours like these" is a phrase used to denote specific, often challenging or significant, periods. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves to add emotional weight to a statement. While infrequent, it's most commonly found in news and academic contexts, lending itself to situations requiring a sense of gravity. For more casual contexts, consider alternatives such as "times like these". When writing, remember that the phrase should be used to add meaning and context, and to emphasize difficulty. Don't overuse it, and don't use it in casual scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times like these

Replaces "hours" with "times", focusing on the general period rather than a specific duration.

moments like these

Substitutes "hours" with "moments", emphasizing specific instances within a period.

periods such as these

Uses a more formal structure, replacing "hours like" with "periods such".

circumstances like these

Shifts the focus to the overall situation instead of a time frame.

situations such as these

Similar to "circumstances like these", emphasizing the conditions at hand.

days like these

Replaces "hours" with "days", broadening the time frame under consideration.

eras like these

Emphasizes a longer span, substituting "hours" with "eras".

junctures like these

Uses a more formal word, implying a critical point in time.

occasions such as these

Highlights particular events or instances, with a slightly more formal tone.

stages like these

Refers to specific phases or steps in a process or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "hours like these" in a sentence?

Use "hours like these" to describe moments or periods that are particularly difficult or meaningful. For example: "During "hours like these", resilience is key."

What's a good alternative to "hours like these"?

You can use alternatives like "times like these" or "moments like these" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "hours like these" formal or informal?

The phrase "hours like these" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, "times like these" might be more appropriate.

What does "hours like these" emphasize?

It emphasizes a specific period or moment that carries significant weight, often due to its challenging or critical nature.