this late hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this late hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time that is considered late in the day or night, often implying that it is unusual or inconvenient to be doing something at that time. Example: "I didn't expect to receive a call from you at this late hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even at this late hour, regulators still have a choice.

The New York Times

To envision such a thing at this late hour raises a thousand vexing questions.

The New Yorker

The subway ride was quick, but the car was packed, even at this late hour.

The New York Times

Where does England go at this late hour to find a Sidney Crosby?

Independent

It's particularly distressing that some minority lawmakers, at this late hour, may block reform.

The New York Times

We feel at this late hour that the softly softly approach is indistinguishable from complacency.

The Guardian - Opinion

The strange unexpected wilderness of Central Park at this late hour.

The New Yorker

Even at this late hour, some continue to collect money from wealthy donors.

The New York Times

"Even though the government has not acted, we give them backing even in this late hour.

The New York Times

At this late hour, Albany's only option is to give the board an extra week to do the counting.

The New York Times

At this late hour, one question is whether the sectarian fire has grown so hot that it is beyond taming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this late hour" to express urgency or surprise about an activity happening later than expected. For instance, "I didn't expect visitors at "this late hour"."

Common error

Don't use "this late hour" when referring to a generally late time without implying a specific event or unexpectedness. For instance, saying "I always work at "this late hour"" is less effective than "I always work late into the night".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this late hour" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier specifying time. It indicates a time that is considered advanced or near the end of a period, often carrying a connotation of unexpectedness or urgency, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this late hour" is a common noun phrase used to denote an advanced time, often implying surprise or urgency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey; alternatives like "at the eleventh hour" can add emphasis on a last-chance scenario. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone, avoiding misuse in general time references. As shown in the examples, reputable sources frequently use "this late hour" to mark unexpected or significant occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this advanced hour

Replaces "late" with "advanced", emphasizing the lateness in a more formal tone.

at this belated time

Uses "belated" to highlight the tardiness or unexpected nature of the hour.

so late in the day

Shifts the focus to the lateness within the context of a day's progression.

at such a late stage

Emphasizes the advanced point in a process or situation.

at this advanced stage

Similar to "at such a late stage", but uses "advanced" for emphasis.

at this eleventh hour

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the last possible moment.

so near the deadline

Focuses on the proximity to a deadline as the defining factor of lateness.

at the tail end

Refers to the very end of something, suggesting lateness in a process.

at this closing moment

Emphasizes the finality and lateness of the current moment.

at the end of the line

An idiomatic expression implying the culmination or conclusion of something.

FAQs

How can I use "this late hour" in a sentence?

You can use "this late hour" to express surprise or concern about something happening later than anticipated. For example, "Why are you calling me at "this late hour"?" suggests the caller's timing is unusual.

What are some alternatives to "this late hour"?

Alternatives include "at this advanced hour", "so late in the day", or "at the eleventh hour", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at this late hour" or "in this late hour"?

"At "this late hour"" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "In "this late hour"" is less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward.

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "the eleventh hour" instead of "this late hour"?

Use "the eleventh hour" to emphasize that something is happening at the very last possible moment before it's too late. While both phrases relate to lateness, "the eleventh hour" specifically implies a critical turning point or final opportunity, which "this late hour" doesn't necessarily convey.