in the hour of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the hour of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time or moment when something significant occurs, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "In the hour of need, true friends reveal themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Beginning of loss at 6 marks in the hour of zi; the eclipse was total at 3 marks in the hour of chou; maximum at 5 marks in the hour of chou; reappearance of light at 7 marks in the hour of chou; restoration to fullness at 4 marks in the hour of yin.

Britannica

Now, in the hour of crisis, he is letting his fab flag fly.

The New York Times

These characteristics came into play in the hour of horror, loss and need.

The Guardian

To find joy in the hour of violence and chaos is part discipline and receptivity.

The Guardian - Opinion

While these traits repel, his bearing in the hour of crisis compels admiration and even wins a measure of sympathy.

Britannica

Now, in the hour of decision, we said to each other things that are not said among the living".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And in the hours of darkness there was much counting.

The New Yorker

The place is empty, and, in the hours of darkness, it creaks like a ship.

The New Yorker

They may be making maturity work for them, but in the hours of darkness, deep down.

Independent

But in the hours of darkness, this would be virtually impossible.

Independent

In the hours of chaotic fighting, at least 111 people were injured, including 56 police officers, and 214 people arrested.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the hour of" to add a sense of gravity or importance to a particular event or time. It's most effective when describing pivotal moments or crises.

Common error

Avoid using "in the hour of" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if the situation doesn't warrant such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the hour of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. It establishes a temporal context, indicating when an event occurs. Ludwig shows the phrase is used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the hour of" functions as a prepositional phrase denoting a significant moment in time, often implying importance or crisis. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, though overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, academic texts, and encyclopedias, highlighting its versatility across different registers. While alternatives like "at the time of" exist, "in the hour of" adds a distinct sense of gravity to the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the moment of

Replaces "hour" with "moment", emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the event.

at the time of

Replaces "hour" with a more general term for time, losing the sense of a specific or momentous occasion.

during the period of

Substitutes "hour" with "period", broadening the timeframe and reducing immediacy.

when the time came

Uses a clause instead of a prepositional phrase, focusing on the arrival of the specific moment.

during the crisis

Focuses specifically on a crisis situation, limiting the phrase's general applicability.

in the midst of

Shifts the focus to being surrounded by the event, rather than the specific time.

when the occasion arose

Highlights the appearance of an opportunity or situation, changing the emphasis.

as the moment approached

Emphasizes the anticipation leading up to a specific point in time.

upon the arrival of

Formal and emphasizes arrival, rather than the events within the time period.

in those moments

Shifts to a plural form referring to a collection of moments around a certain event.

FAQs

How can I use "in the hour of" in a sentence?

Use "in the hour of" to describe something occurring during a significant or critical time, such as "in the hour of need" or "in the hour of crisis".

What are some alternatives to "in the hour of"?

Alternatives include "at the time of", "during the period of", or "when the time came", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in the hour of" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the hour of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to create a sense of importance or drama. However, consider the overall tone and avoid overuse.

What is the difference between "in the hour of" and "at the time of"?

"In the hour of" suggests a specific, often significant, moment, while "at the time of" is more general and can refer to any point in time. The former is more evocative and less common.