small hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small hours" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase "small hours" is used to refer to the late night or early morning, typically between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. An example sentence would be, "I usually find myself awake in the small hours of the morning, often without a clear reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the small hours you get chosen.

The Guardian

Need sustenance in the small hours?

The Guardian - Books

She was in the chamber until the small hours.

The Guardian

His chapbook of poems, Small Hours, appeared in 2006.

The Guardian - Books

On daytime, not tucked away in the wee small hours.

The Guardian

They're just things that happen in the twee small hours.

The Guardian - Film

The rooster practices his crow in the small hours.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, in the small hours, terrible visions haunt you.

The Guardian - Opinion

You'll get back to your hotel in the small hours.

The Guardian - Travel

In the small hours, I began to bleed.

The New Yorker

In the wee small hours of the morning, informality grew.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small hours" to evoke a sense of quiet, introspection, or unusual activity occurring late at night or very early in the morning.

Common error

Avoid using "small hours" to refer to any time during the evening or daytime. This phrase specifically denotes the period after midnight and before dawn.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small hours" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial of time. It indicates when an action or state occurs, denoting the period between midnight and dawn. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small hours" refers to the very early morning, typically between midnight and dawn. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "wee hours" exist, "small hours" evokes a specific sense of quiet and late-night activity. When writing, remember that "small hours" pertains specifically to the time after midnight. With a strong presence in authoritative sources, using "small hours" effectively enhances your writing by adding nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wee hours

Synonymous and frequently interchangeable; emphasizes the early nature of the hours.

early morning hours

Broader term; covers a slightly longer timeframe than "small hours".

dead of night

Emphasizes the quiet and inactivity associated with the late night.

hours before dawn

Highlights the approaching sunrise and the end of the night.

late night

General term for the period after midnight.

night's waning hours

More poetic and literary; focuses on the ending phase of the night.

post-midnight hours

More literal; refers specifically to the hours after 12 AM.

unearthly hours

Implies something strange or unusual happening during those hours.

hours of darkness

Focuses on the absence of daylight during the night.

pre-dawn hours

Highlights the time leading up to sunrise.

FAQs

How can I use "small hours" in a sentence?

You can use "small hours" to describe activities or events that occur late at night or very early in the morning. For example, "I often find inspiration in the "small hours" when everything is quiet."

What's a good alternative to "small hours"?

Alternatives include "wee hours", "early morning hours", or "dead of night", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in the small hour" instead of "in the small hours"?

While "small hour" might seem grammatically logical, the established and widely accepted phrase is "in the small hours". Sticking to the plural form ensures clarity and avoids potential confusion.

What's the difference between "small hours" and "late at night"?

"Late at night" is a more general term for any time after the evening, while "small hours" specifically refers to the very early morning hours after midnight, typically between 1 AM and 4 AM. The "small hours" carry a connotation of deeper quiet and solitude.