two hours in advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two hours in advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something should be done or arranged two hours before a specific time or event. Example: "Please arrive at the airport two hours in advance to ensure you have enough time for check-in and security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The deadline at the hotels is two hours in advance.

The New York Times - Travel

But consultation cannot mean that I get a phone call two hours in advance only to be told, "We're going in".

The New York Times

You're supposed to prepare it two hours in advance, "to concentrate the flavors," but when I reheated mine, the sauce resembled mortar and the shrimp old pencil erasers.

The New York Times - Books

American and Continental Airlines say they require arrival two hours in advance for domestic travel, while Northwest and United say 90 minutes is fine.

The New York Times - Travel

The county urges travelers to take taxis and limousines and get to the airport at least two hours in advance of their flights.

The New York Times

-- not quite the two hours in advance that her agency now recommends, but in plenty of time to clear security and then try to build morale at the airport, which was noticeably quieter than normal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Cancellations must be made at least twenty-four hours in advance.

The New Yorker

Large orders (40 cups or more) should be made six hours in advance.

The New York Times

You'll do best to arrive at Port Authority three to four hours in advance, so you can be at the head of the line at the gate.

The New Yorker

Let the office know twenty-four hours in advance if you want the I.V., said the receptionist, whose fingernails were painted with stars.

The New Yorker

Yogis cancelling less than twenty-four hours in advance will be charged the full class fee plus a five-dollar service charge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, specify "two hours in advance" followed by a clear explanation of what needs to be done within that timeframe. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "two hours in advance" is universally understood. Always clarify the context. For instance, specify whether it refers to arrival time, preparation time, or the deadline for submitting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two hours in advance" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates the timing of an action or event relative to a specific point in time, specifying that it must occur beforehand. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "two hours in advance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used temporal marker indicating that something should occur two hours before a specific event or deadline. As noted by Ludwig, it's appropriate across various contexts, from making travel arrangements to preparing food. While alternatives like "two hours earlier" or "two hours beforehand" exist, "two hours in advance" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. Ensure clarity by specifying what action needs to occur within this timeframe and avoid assuming universal understanding. Given its straightforward meaning and grammatical correctness, "two hours in advance" is a reliable choice for specifying temporal requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two hours beforehand

Replaces "in advance" with "beforehand", maintaining a similar level of formality but emphasizing the temporal order.

two hours ahead of time

Substitutes "in advance" with "ahead of time", offering a slightly more informal tone.

two hours prior

Replaces "in advance" with "prior", increasing the formality.

two hours earlier

Uses "earlier" instead of "in advance", focusing on the timing relative to a specific event.

with two hours to spare

Shifts the focus to the remaining time, emphasizing the margin available.

two hours previously

Replaces "in advance" with "previously", maintaining a similar level of formality but emphasizing the past.

two-hour lead time

Uses the noun form "lead time" to indicate the necessary preparation time.

give two hours notice

Highlights the act of informing someone two hours before something happens.

two hours preceding

Replaces "in advance" with "preceding", increasing the formality.

arrive two hours early

Focuses on the act of arriving before the scheduled time.

FAQs

What does "two hours in advance" mean?

It means something needs to be done or completed two hours before a specific event, deadline, or scheduled time.

When should I use "two hours in advance"?

Use "two hours in advance" when you want to specify a timeframe for preparation, arrival, or completion before a scheduled event. For example, "Please arrive "two hours early" for your flight."

What are some alternatives to "two hours in advance"?

Alternatives include "two hours beforehand", "two hours prior", or "two hours ahead of time", depending on the level of formality and context.

Is it better to say "two hours in advance" or "2 hours in advance"?

Both are acceptable, but "two hours in advance" is generally preferred in formal writing, while "2 hours in advance" is common in more casual or technical contexts.