on what hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on what hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the specific time something is scheduled to occur. Example: "Could you please let me know on what hour the meeting is set to begin?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Time-of-use" pricing, in which people or businesses pay varying rates for power, depending on what hour they use it, is still a far-off concept in most of the United States.

The New York Times

In the course of her career, Perry's look has mostly been a series of variations on the fifties bombshell; she carefully dials up and down the sexual innuendo, depending on what hour of the evening her performance airs.

The New Yorker

ABC, CBS and NBC were the three ring circuses who entertained ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages depending on what hour you were watching and life was fine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It depends on what hours your business electricity supplier has set as peak.

WikiHow

Many shelters have time limits on when you can be there, whether it be days, weeks, or months, and some even have time limits on what hours you can be in the building on any given day.

WikiHow

No one should be forced to wait on tenterhooks to find out what hours the company rota has them working over the next week or month.

The Guardian - Business

The airlines promised to use their best efforts to return misrouted bags within 24 hours, but the report found that the carriers cannot agree on what 24 hours means.

The New York Times

Be honest with your preferred recruitment agency on what days and hours you are looking to work.

The Guardian

And as Murray closes in on what a few hours ago was the most improbable of wins, there's even more good news for him.

The Guardian - Sport

There is also no agreement on what constitutes antisocial hours, although the BMA say they have put forward a solution which fits the pay envelope which has not been agreed as yet.

The Guardian

After attorneys from both sides made their final, impassioned statements to the jury this past Tuesday, deliberations lasted for just over 21 hours on what could be one of the most important legal decisions the industry has seen in years.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on what hour", consider if a more common phrase like "at what time" would be clearer and more easily understood by your audience. Use "on what hour" when aiming for a more formal or old-fashioned tone.

Common error

Avoid using "on what hour" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on what hour" functions as a prepositional phrase used to inquire about a specific point in time. It's a less common, more formal alternative to asking "at what time?". As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct but not frequently used in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on what hour" is grammatically sound but somewhat antiquated, primarily functioning to inquire about a specific time. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its usage is rare in modern English, favoring more straightforward alternatives like "at what time". The phrase leans towards a more formal register, suitable for news articles or formal documents rather than casual contexts. When writing, consider whether the slightly archaic tone aligns with your intended audience and purpose. If not, simpler phrasing is advisable. Common contexts include news and media, though it also appears in wiki sources. The phrase should be reserved for situations where a formal or historical tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at what time

This is a more common and direct way to ask about the specific time something will happen.

at which hour

A slightly more formal and precise way of asking about a specific time.

when exactly

This phrase emphasizes the need for a precise time rather than a general period.

what time specifically

Emphasizes the need for an exact time, adding a sense of urgency or importance.

upon which hour

This alternative is more formal and archaic, lending a sense of historical or legal precision.

depending on the time

This focuses on how something varies according to the specific time.

based on the hour

Highlights that something is determined or influenced by the particular time.

contingent on the hour

This suggests that something is conditional based on the time.

according to the time

Indicates that something is in agreement or conformity with a specific time.

subject to the hour

This implies that something is liable to change depending on the time.

FAQs

What is a more common substitute for "on what hour"?

A more common and straightforward alternative to "on what hour" is "at what time". This phrasing is generally more accessible and widely understood.

Is "on what hour" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on what hour" is grammatically correct, although it's less frequently used in modern English. It's more common to use phrases like "at what time" or "when exactly".

In what contexts is "on what hour" most appropriate?

The phrase "on what hour" is best suited for formal writing or when trying to evoke a historical or old-fashioned tone. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

How does the meaning of "on what hour" differ from "at what time"?

While both phrases inquire about a specific time, "on what hour" carries a slightly more formal or archaic connotation compared to the more common and neutral "at what time". The difference is mainly in style and frequency of use.