rush hours

USAGE SUMMARY

"rush hour" is a commonly used phrase in written English that can refer to the time of day when roads and public transportation become crowded with people commuting to and from work.
For example, "I always try to avoid driving during rush hour because the traffic is unbearable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Avoid rush hours.

The New York Times

"Only rush hours," he replied.

The New York Times

During non-rush hours, service is spotty; during rush hours, the traffic is awful.

The Economist

"Are there rush hours on weekends?

The New York Times

The block will be heard during the evening rush hours.

The New York Times

In other areas, there were two rush hours.

The New Yorker

The M now runs, infrequently, only during rush hours.

The New York Times

The most fragile one runs only during morning rush hours.

The New York Times

Co-ordinate to avoid rush hours or work from home.

The Guardian - Money

During rush hours, the 101 freeway often resembles a parking lot.

The Economist

When possible, schedule your meetings between 10am and 3pm to avoid rush hours.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about transportation or daily routines, use "rush hours" to clearly indicate the times when traffic is most congested. This helps readers quickly understand the context of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "rush hours" to describe any period of high activity. The term specifically refers to commuting times, typically in the morning and evening on weekdays. For other busy periods, consider using more general terms like "peak times" or "busy periods".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rush hours" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to specific periods of the day characterized by high traffic volume due to commuting. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rush hours" is a common noun phrase referring to the periods of the day with the heaviest traffic, typically during commuting times. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness. Analysis of various sources reveals that it's frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. Related phrases include "peak traffic times" and "periods of high congestion". A key writing tip is to use "rush hours" specifically for commuting-related congestion, while avoiding its use for general busy periods. With its high frequency and clear meaning, "rush hours" is a valuable term for discussing transportation and urban life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak traffic times

Focuses on the traffic aspect, implying crowded roads during specific periods.

peak commuting times

Specifically refers to times when people are commuting, which is closely related to "rush hours".

periods of high congestion

Emphasizes the congestion experienced during "rush hours" rather than the time itself.

times of heavy traffic

Highlights the intensity of traffic during these periods.

commuter rush

A more concise term that directly refers to the surge of commuters.

gridlock times

Focuses on extreme traffic congestion that can occur during "rush hours".

peak travel periods

A broader term encompassing all types of travel, not just commuting.

high-traffic periods

Simply describes periods with a large volume of traffic.

busy travel times

Describes the travel times that are characterized by high activity.

periods of increased traffic

Indicates a general increase in traffic volume during these times.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "rush hours"?

You can use phrases like "peak traffic times", "peak commuting times", or "periods of high congestion" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "rush hour" or "rush hours"?

"Rush hour" refers to a single hour of peak traffic, while "rush hours" refers to the period encompassing multiple hours of high traffic volume, typically in the morning and evening. Therefore, "rush hours" is often more accurate.

What times typically constitute "rush hours"?

"Rush hours" generally refer to the times when most people are commuting to and from work. This is typically between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, but can vary depending on the city and its commuting patterns.

How can I avoid traffic during "rush hours"?

Consider alternative commuting methods such as public transportation, biking, or walking. If driving is necessary, try to travel outside of "rush hours" or use traffic apps to find the least congested routes.