what time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to ask someone what time it is or to ask a question about a time such as what time an event will occur. For example: "What time do you think the movie will finish?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What time?

The New York Times

"What time have you?

The New Yorker

"What time?" "Six a.m".

The New York Times

What time was it?

The New Yorker

What time will they vote?

The New York Times

" 'What time period is this?

The New Yorker

What time was he awake?

The New Yorker

What time is it on?

Independent

Approximately what time is it?

The New York Times

"Look what time it is!

The New Yorker

To what time zone?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "what time" an event starts, specify the time zone if the audience is in a different location.

Common error

Avoid saying "what time we are meeting at?" The correct structure is "what time are we meeting at?" or "what time are we meeting?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what time" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. It is used to elicit information about a specific point in time, whether to know the current time or to inquire about a future event, and this is confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what time" serves as a fundamental interrogative phrase used to request information about a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse settings, from casual conversations to professional environments. Its high frequency, particularly in News & Media, underscores its importance in everyday communication. By avoiding common errors, such as incorrect preposition usage, and considering context-specific time zones, you can effectively use "what time" to ensure clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when is it

Focuses on the timing of an event or occurrence, similar to asking "what time" something happens.

at what hour

A more formal way of asking about the specific hour something will occur.

what is the schedule

Enquires about the planned times for a series of events or activities.

what stage is it

Shifts the focus to the phase or point in time a process or event has reached.

what is the length

Concerns the duration or period something lasts, rather than a specific point in time.

what is the lifetime

Refers to the duration of existence or functionality of something.

what is the weather

Focuses on the state of the atmosphere at a particular time, not the time itself.

what is the occasion

Asks about the reason or event for a particular time or gathering.

what is the juncture

Queries about the specific point in time or stage of an event.

what is the moment

Refers to a specific point in time, often with emotional or situational significance.

FAQs

How do I use "what time" in a sentence?

Use "what time" to inquire about a specific point in time. For example, "what time does the movie start?" or "what time is dinner?"

What's the difference between "what time" and "when"?

"What time" asks for a specific hour and minute, like "what time is it?" "When" is more general and can refer to a day, date, or time period, for example, "when are we leaving?"

What can I say instead of "what time is it"?

Alternatives include "could you tell me the time?", "do you have the time?", or more informally, "got the time?"

Is it correct to say "at what time"?

Yes, "at what time" is grammatically correct and often used in more formal contexts. For example, "at what time should I arrive?"