prime time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Prime Time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it generally refers to the most popular or advantageous time frame for a certain activity or event. For example, you could say "This show only airs during prime time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

In prime time.

The New Yorker

Prime time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prime time doesn't favor wimps.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's in prime time.

The New Yorker

Money market fund reform goes prime time.

The New York Times

"It's not ready for prime time".

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Prime-time game.

The New York Times - Sports

Consider ABC's prime-time lineup.

The New York Times

But this was prime-time television.

The New York Times

"A regular prime-time show," Moyers said.

The New Yorker

And it hardly made prime-time entertainment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prime time" to clearly denote the most valuable or popular period for a specific activity, such as television programming or business operations.

Common error

Avoid using "prime time" when referring to general success or achievement that isn't specifically tied to a time period. Instead, opt for phrases like "peak performance" or "best form" when referring to individual or team success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prime time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adjective to describe a time period. It denotes the peak or most valuable time, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples like "ESPN televised the game in prime time".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prime time" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies the most advantageous or popular period for a specific activity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly featured in news and media, it maintains a generally neutral register. When writing, remember that while grammatically sound, you must consider if it's adequate for more formal contexts. Instead of "prime time", consider alternatives such as "peak hours" or "optimal period" for higher formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak hours

Refers to the times when activity or usage is at its highest.

peak season

Denotes the most popular or profitable time for a particular industry or activity.

golden age

Implies a period of great achievement or prosperity.

best time

A general way to refer to the most suitable or advantageous moment.

optimal period

A more formal way to describe the most favorable time frame.

height of popularity

Focuses on the time when something is most well-liked or successful.

most watched hours

Specifically relates to the time when television viewership is at its highest.

major broadcast window

Describes a key time slot for television programming.

leading time

Implies the period of greatest importance or success.

strategic time

Indicates the most opportune moment for a particular action or event.

FAQs

How is "prime time" typically used in sentences?

The phrase "prime time" usually refers to the most popular viewing hours on television, but it can also apply to any period considered most advantageous or successful. For example, "The show airs during "prime time"" or "August is "prime time" for crabs".

What phrases can replace "prime time" in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "peak hours" for usage intensity, "peak season" for tourism, or "golden age" to describe a period of great success.

Is it appropriate to use "prime time" in formal writing?

While "prime time" is widely understood, it is generally more suitable for news articles and less formal contexts. In academic papers or business reports, more precise and formal language might be preferable, such as "peak period" or "optimal timeframe".

What does it mean for something to be "not ready for prime time"?

When something is described as "not ready for "prime time"", it means it is not yet suitable or prepared for widespread public attention or use. This could apply to a product, idea, or performance that needs further development or refinement.