time of day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time of day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to the current or a specific hour or period of the day. For example: "I like to go for a jog at the same time of day every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

" 'The Time of Day'?

The New York Times - Magazine

Chronometer: The time of day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What time of day are classes?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Best time of day to exercise?

Columbia University

Yet another factor is time of day.

Harvard University

What is the time of day?

Yale University

Busiest time of day: 11 a.m.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The perfect any-time-of-day holly.

The New York Times - Magazine

time-of-day choice; destination choice.

European Transport Research Review

2. Whether time-of-day affects dreams.

Huffington Post

Preferences include time-of-day restrictions.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a particular "time of day", be as precise as necessary for your audience. For example, use "early morning" instead of just "morning" if the distinction is important.

Common error

Avoid using "time of day" when a more specific term like "afternoon", "evening", or a precise hour would provide clarity. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of day" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate when an event occurs or a condition is present. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

26%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time of day" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to specify a particular point within a 24-hour period. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and general applicability. The phrase is commonly found in various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. While seemingly straightforward, precise usage—avoiding vagueness and choosing the most specific term—enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "hour of the day" or "period of the day" can provide more accurate descriptions depending on the situation. Finally, by avoiding over-generalizations and considering the context, writers can effectively use "time of day" to add temporal precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hour of the day

Replaces "time" with "hour" to focus on a specific point in the day.

period of the day

Substitutes "time" with "period" to emphasize a duration within the day.

moment of the day

Replaces "time" with "moment" to highlight a very brief duration within the day.

part of the day

Offers a more general reference to a division of the day.

point in the day

Focuses on a particular instant or juncture during the day.

what time it is

Rephrases the query as a question of current time.

the clock reading

Refers to the time as indicated on a clock or other time-keeping device.

stage of the day

Indicates a phase or segment of the day based on activity or light.

daily schedule

Focuses on the planned sequence of activities within a day.

the diurnal cycle

Emphasizes the scientific or cyclical nature of the daily time progression.

FAQs

How can I use "time of day" in a sentence?

You can use "time of day" to refer to a specific part of the day or to ask about the current time. For example, "What "time of day" do you prefer to exercise?" or "The "time of day" affects traffic patterns."

What are some alternatives to "time of day"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hour of the day", "period of the day", or "part of the day".

Is it always necessary to specify the "time of day"?

No, it's not always necessary. If the specific time is not relevant, you can omit it. However, including the "time of day" can provide crucial context in many situations.

How does the "time of day" influence writing?

Considering the "time of day" can enhance the narrative and create atmosphere. Describing a scene during sunrise or sunset, for example, can evoke specific emotions and imagery.