ungodly hours

USAGE SUMMARY

'ungodly hours' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to times of day that are unusually early or late, such as working very early in the morning or very late at night. For example, "I have to go into work at ungodly hours this week in order to finish a project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Wandering round cities at ungodly hours.

The Guardian - Books

In desperation, I phoned Russ at a couple of ungodly hours, and he came through.

The New York Times - Tech

Even pace the streets at ungodly hours, hands sheathed in Glad sandwich bags.

The New York Times

Most of these ungodly hours are devoted to Chris and the panel hashing over the news and related topics.

The New Yorker

They trained on the wooden floors of the LIU gymnasium in the dead of winter at ungodly hours.

The Guardian - Sport

To this day it is I who still gets up at ungodly hours to let this animal out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

John Edwards arrived at an equally ungodly hour.

The Economist

at an ungodly hour this morning," his host said.

The New York Times

The "ungodly hour" at which one wakes up to be ready to roll at 6 a.m.

The New York Times

How else to explain the 45-minute wait at this ungodly hour?

The New York Times - Travel

Un email "Ungodly hour greeting ('morning' doesn't really cover it)," says Ian Copestake.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ungodly hours", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to unusually early mornings or late nights, as the phrase can apply to both. Providing specific examples or related details can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ungodly hours" in overly formal contexts where a more neutral phrase like "extended hours" or "irregular shifts" might be more appropriate. The term carries a slightly informal and often negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ungodly hours" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It typically describes a period or instances of time that are considered highly inconvenient due to being extremely early or late. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ungodly hours" is a common and acceptable way to describe inconveniently early or late times, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, often conveying a sense of annoyance or hardship. While frequently found in news and media, more formal contexts might require alternatives like "extended hours". When using "ungodly hours", ensure the context is clear, specifying whether you're referring to early mornings or late nights to avoid ambiguity. Remember, the phrase carries a slightly informal connotation, so choose your words carefully depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ungodly hour

Singular form, referring to a specific inconvenient time.

unearthly hours

Similar to 'ungodly', but with a stronger emphasis on the strangeness of the time.

unholy hours

Similar to 'ungodly', but may suggest a more negative or unpleasant experience.

unreasonable hours

Emphasizes the impracticality or difficulty associated with the timing.

inconvenient hours

Highlights the disruption or trouble caused by the timing.

unsocial hours

Focuses on the impact on social life and interactions.

awkward hours

Suggests the timing is clumsy or unsuitable.

crack of dawn

Specifically refers to very early morning hours.

wee hours

Specifically refers to very late night or early morning hours.

late nights

Focuses on the lateness of the hour.

FAQs

How can I use "ungodly hours" in a sentence?

You can use "ungodly hours" to describe work schedules, travel times, or any activity that takes place at extremely early or late times of the day. For example, "I had to wake up at "ungodly hours" to catch my flight" or "The bakery opens at "ungodly hours" to ensure fresh bread every morning".

What's a less informal way to say "ungodly hours"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "extended hours", "irregular shifts", or "unsocial hours" to convey a similar meaning without the slightly negative connotation of "ungodly hours".

Which is correct, "ungodly hours" or "ungodly hour"?

"Ungodly hours" refers to multiple instances or a general period of inconvenient times, while "ungodly hour" refers to a single, specific instance. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a recurring schedule or a one-time event.

What kind of activities might involve "ungodly hours"?

Many professions and activities require working or being active during "ungodly hours", including healthcare, transportation, emergency services, baking, and some forms of entertainment or event management.