initial hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first hour of an event, activity, or period of time. Example: "During the initial hour of the meeting, we will discuss the agenda and set our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Being an early bird I'm the first person in the office and that initial hour is incredibly productive.

The Guardian

Eight minutes and 18 seconds into the initial hour we hear someone say, "Who I am doesn't matter".

The New York Times - Arts

The interrogation is related to a search, the subject of the initial hour, for a White House cornerstone that has been missing for more than 200 years.

The New York Times - Arts

We paid 120 YTL for the initial hour, but the price has since been reduced to 30 EUROS for the first hour, 22 for each additional hour, or 115 for five hours.

The New York Times

After the initial hour, "Challenges of Life," most of the episodes are devoted to animal groupings: "Reptiles and Amphibians" (also being broadcast on Sunday), "Fish," "Birds" and so on.

The New York Times - Arts

Not too long into the initial hour of "Teen Wolf," MTV's cheeky new foray into supernaturalism, a mother hands her date-bound son the keys to the car and attempts a quick talk on safe sex.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

After the initial hour-long alarm call ended, they instigated a snooze facility, allowing us 15-minute spells of silence between jagged bursts of song - or as the entry on Wikipedia, written surely by a fellow victim, says: "If song it can be called".

The Guardian

In the initial hours of the investigation, much remained unclear.

The New York Times

"There wasn't an organized recovery plan, not in the initial hours after the bombing.

The New Yorker

He told Artnet that in his initial hours of work, "until I get to the middle of the process — it's horrific.

The New Yorker

Describing the evacuations during the initial hours after last Wednesday's quake, Toro says: "A million people were evacuated and that saved a lot of lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or event, use "initial hour" to specify that something occurs within the first 60 minutes, especially when contrasting it with later stages. For example: "The most significant improvements were observed during the "initial hour" of treatment."

Common error

Instead of repeatedly using "initial hour" throughout a lengthy description, vary your language with synonyms like "first hour" or "opening hour" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial hour" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier specifying when something occurs. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage and acceptability. It's typically used to denote the first 60 minutes of an event or process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial hour" is a grammatically sound and acceptable phrase used to refer to the first hour of a process or event. According to Ludwig AI, its use is considered correct and is observed across various contexts, including science, news, and media. While not as common as "first hour", it provides a more formal tone and is useful for specifying that something occurs within the first 60 minutes. When writing, avoid overuse by varying language with synonyms and focus on using it to highlight significant events or changes during this period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first hour

This alternative is a more straightforward and common way of expressing the same idea.

opening hour

This alternative emphasizes the start or beginning of a specific event or period.

starting hour

This alternative highlights the commencement of an activity or time frame.

preliminary hour

This alternative suggests a preparatory or introductory phase within the first hour.

inaugural hour

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the official beginning.

early hour

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of being at the beginning of the period.

the hour of inception

This alternative is more emphatic and highlights the start of something new.

hour of commencement

This alternative adds a formal tone, signifying the initiation of an event or process.

the beginning hour

This alternative directly refers to the hour marking the start of something.

the kick-off hour

This alternative is more informal, implying the start of an event with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "initial hour" in a sentence?

You can use "initial hour" to refer to the first hour of a process, event, or activity. For example, "The patient's condition stabilized during the "first hour" after treatment".

What are some alternatives to "initial hour"?

Some alternatives to "initial hour" include "first hour", "opening hour", or "starting hour". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "first hour" or "initial hour"?

Both "initial hour" and "first hour" are grammatically correct and widely used. "First hour" is more common, while "initial hour" may add a slightly more formal tone.

What does "initial hour" usually refer to in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "initial hour" often refers to the critical period immediately following an injury or the start of a treatment, during which interventions are most effective. This is sometimes called the "golden hour".