two consecutive hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two consecutive hours" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means two hours that occur one after the other without interruption. Example: I'm sorry, but our policy only allows for two consecutive hours of study room usage. After that, you will need to give up the room for other students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

EH: I realised during the years I was doing this that it would be great to make a film that was just two hours of this guy's life - in a given day, two consecutive hours.

The Guardian - Film

Children must be at least 15 days old and, up until the age of six months, can only be employed once for two consecutive hours – between 9.30 and 11.30am or 2.30 and 4.30pm.

Independent

Figure 6 Plot over two consecutive hours of the vertical velocity component recorded at station V.MKJA on 9 January 2005.

Earth, Planets and Space

If you're not a registered Starbucks or AT&T customer, you have to pay $3.99 for two consecutive hours of Wi-Fi access.

TechCrunch

The best performance is obtained by using two consecutive hours, where the average number of detected social events is equal to 1.34.

EPJ Data Science

My daughter Maya was born on a Wednesday night in April, an event I will fondly remember as the last time I slept more than two consecutive hours.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

You also mentioned that you've been getting headaches after playing Candy Crush for five consecutive hours.

The New Yorker

The winner in golf could be on television throughout the world for five consecutive hours.

The New York Times - Sports

"Habit" is a ninety-minute mock-realist melodrama with three characters that is performed on loop for eight consecutive hours, ten days straight.

The New Yorker

While international law requires prisoners to be allowed eight hours' sleep a day, interrogators do not necessarily let them sleep for eight consecutive hours.

The New York Times

Not necessarily the hallowed, undisturbed eight hours – the impossible dream if you will – just six consecutive hours would do nicely; I'm not greedy.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying time limits or durations, use "two consecutive hours" to clearly indicate that the time must be uninterrupted. For example, "Employees are entitled to a break after working for "two consecutive hours".

Common error

Avoid using "two consecutive hours" when you mean a total of two hours accumulated over a longer period with breaks. Use "a total of two hours" or "two hours in total" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two consecutive hours" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (implied or explicit), specifying a duration of time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of the phrase being used to describe uninterrupted periods.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

54%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "two consecutive hours" is a grammatically correct and common way to express an uninterrupted period of time, according to Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To maintain clarity, avoid using it interchangeably with "cumulative" time. Remember that being precise with time descriptions enhances your writing. While "a continuous two-hour period" and "two straight hours" can function as related alternatives, "two consecutive hours" remains the most precise choice when specifying uninterrupted duration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuous two-hour period

Explicitly states the uninterrupted nature of the duration, adding formality.

two straight hours

Uses a more colloquial term for "consecutive", slightly decreasing formality.

two hours straight

Similar to "two straight hours" but with a slightly different word order.

a two-hour stretch

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the time period, using a more informal term.

back-to-back two hours

Emphasizes the immediately successive nature of the two hours.

a solid two hours

Implies dedicated or focused time, adding a sense of purpose.

a two-hour block

Uses "block" to refer to a period of scheduled time, suggesting planning.

two full hours

Emphasizes the completeness of the two-hour period.

a couple of hours running

Highlights the duration of the activity, implying continuous action.

a span of two hours

Focuses on the length of time, using a more general term.

FAQs

What does "two consecutive hours" mean?

The phrase "two consecutive hours" means two hours that follow each other without any interruption.

How can I use "two consecutive hours" in a sentence?

You can use "two consecutive hours" to describe a period of uninterrupted time, such as "The machine runs for "two consecutive hours" before needing maintenance."

What are some alternatives to saying "two consecutive hours"?

Alternatives include "a continuous two-hour period" or "two straight hours" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "two consecutive hours" or "two straight hours"?

"Two consecutive hours" is generally more formal than "two straight hours", which is more colloquial.