the witching hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the witching hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the time of night when supernatural events are said to occur, often around midnight. Example: "As the clock struck twelve, she felt a chill in the air, knowing it was the witching hour when anything could happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The witching hour passed.

The New Yorker

And now the witching hour is upon us.

The New York Times

And the witching hour is now upon us.

The New York Times

At dinner, the witching hour used to be 2 a.m.

The New York Times

Most chefs working the witching hour offer abbreviated menus.

The New York Times - Food

We have arrived at the witching hour of this financial crisis.

The Guardian - Business

At the witching hour there is a hell of lot to say for divine comfort.

The Guardian - Books

And the witching hour, from The BFG, which we traced back to the 18th century".

The Guardian

Ten-thirty is the witching hour, or maybe that's when band practice gets out.

The New Yorker

But don't go there at the witching hour or you may hear the eerie keening of two tiny children.

The Guardian - Travel

The men and women who work the witching hour at Grand Central are not a heartless crew.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the witching hour" when you want to evoke a sense of mystery, anticipation, or the supernatural in your writing. It's particularly effective in fictional narratives or when discussing unusual or critical events that occur late at night.

Common error

Avoid using "the witching hour" in contexts that require a literal time reference or lack any sense of mystery or suspense. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound cliché or forced.

Linguistic Context

The witching hour functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or adverbial modifier in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it denoting a specific time associated with unusual occurrences, aligning with its traditional meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The witching hour is a noun phrase frequently used to denote a time, often around midnight or 3 AM, associated with supernatural events or heightened mystery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts where it adds an element of intrigue. While the phrase is widely understood, it is best suited for creative or informal writing, as more neutral terms may be preferable in formal contexts. When using "the witching hour", writers should be mindful of its connotative meaning and avoid overuse to maintain the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

midnight

Refers specifically to 12:00 AM, the middle of the night.

dead of night

Emphasizes the darkness and stillness of the night.

wee hours

Indicates the early hours after midnight.

small hours

Similar to wee hours, referring to the early morning.

ghostly hour

Connects the time with ghostly activity and the supernatural.

dark hours

Focuses on the darkness and obscurity of the night.

unearthly hour

Highlights the strangeness or unnaturalness of the time.

devil's hour

Links the time with evil or malevolent forces.

late night

A general term for the time after typical bedtime.

twilight zone

Implies a state between reality and fantasy, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "the witching hour" in a sentence?

You can use "the witching hour" to describe a time, usually around midnight, when strange or supernatural events are likely to occur. For instance: "Strange things always seem to happen around "midnight", during the witching hour."

What does "the witching hour" refer to?

"The witching hour" typically refers to the "dead of night", often around 3 AM, when paranormal activity is believed to be at its peak. It is frequently associated with folklore and superstition.

Is it appropriate to use "the witching hour" in formal writing?

While "the witching hour" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for creative or informal writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "late night" or "early morning hours."

What can I say instead of "the witching hour"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like ""midnight"", ""dead of night"", or "wee hours" to convey a similar meaning to "the witching hour".