this very hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this very hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is happening at the current moment or very soon. Example: "I will make the announcement this very hour, so everyone is informed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Within this very hour he would put his head on her shoulder once again.

The New Yorker

Together our nations are standing and sacrificing for this high goal in a distant land at this very hour.

The New York Times

There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.

The New Yorker

What this means is that it is not merely immoral, but also impractical, and indeed worsens the entire situation, as we are reminded at this very hour, and also harms the vital interests of Israel.

The Guardian - Opinion

"One year ago, at this very hour, the unthinkable occurred," the Kennedy Space Center's director, Jim Kennedy, told the crowd of a few hundred who gathered at the memorial here.

The New York Times

"Today is the day for all of us to come together as Americans and send our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters who are worrying at this very hour," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It would be a cruel irony indeed if the headmasters of the universe, having guided and goaded emerging markets into globalization, validated this retreat in the very hour of need.

Forbes

This was the place..this was the very hour.

The New Yorker

By Elspeth O'Halloran The New Yorker, April 5 , 1930P. 40 This was the place..this was the very hour View Article By Jelani Cobb By David Remnick By Doreen St. Félix By Joan Acocella.

The New Yorker

They had kept the secret of the event until the very hour of its unfolding.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was, he said, ignoring the "politically motivated" trial against him due to begin that very hour.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting your content, consider the overall tone and audience. This phrase works well in formal news reporting, storytelling, or descriptive contexts where you want to emphasize the present moment.

Common error

Avoid using "this very hour" in casual or informal conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "now" or "at the moment" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very hour" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the time of an action or event. It emphasizes the present moment, conveying immediacy and urgency as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this very hour" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the immediacy of an event. As Ludwig confirms, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to draw attention to the present moment. While it can also be used in formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "right now" or "at this moment" can be used depending on the specific context. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "this very hour" to convey a sense of urgency and importance in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at this precise moment

Replaces "very hour" with "precise moment" to emphasize exactness in time.

right at this instant

Uses "instant" instead of "hour" and emphasizes immediacy with "right".

at this exact time

Substitutes "very hour" with "exact time", highlighting accuracy.

in this very second

Changes the time frame to "second" for greater emphasis on immediacy.

at this specific point

Replaces temporal reference with a more general "point", useful in broader contexts.

as we speak

Offers a more conversational and immediate way to indicate something happening now.

at the present time

Uses a more formal and neutral way of expressing the current moment.

currently

Provides a concise alternative, suitable for many contexts where immediacy is less important.

now

Offers the simplest and most direct way to indicate the present moment.

immediately

Shifts the focus to the action happening without delay, rather than the specific time.

FAQs

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

Use "this very hour" to emphasize the immediacy or urgency of an event. For example, "The decision will be announced "this very hour", so stay tuned for updates."

What are some alternatives to "this very hour"?

You can use alternatives such as "right now", "at this moment", or "immediately" to convey a similar sense of urgency or immediacy.

Is it okay to use "this very hour" in a formal setting?

Yes, "this very hour" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when you want to highlight the importance or urgency of an event. However, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "this very hour" and "at this moment"?

Both phrases indicate the present time, but "this very hour" adds a sense of emphasis and urgency, while "at this moment" is more neutral. Use "this very hour" when you want to highlight the significance of something happening now.