working hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working hours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific hours during which employees are expected to work or when a business is open. Example: "Our working hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Working children were examined during working hours.

Environmental Health Perspectives

*'day' linked to working hours, whereas 'night' was out of working hours.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Participation time outside of working hours is therefore credited to each working hours account.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

We've reduced working hours.

The Guardian

But illness doesn't respect working hours.

BBC

The obvious explanation is longer working hours.

The Economist

I got a haircut during working hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

They arrived there after working hours.

The New York Times

I got a haircut during working hours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Few IHT were performed after working hours.

Annals of Intensive Care

Total working hours in a period.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employment terms, specify the "working hours" clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, state whether it includes breaks or if it's strictly time spent actively working.

Common error

Avoid assuming "working hours" automatically include overtime. Clarify the conditions for overtime pay and whether it's mandatory or optional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working hours" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the time period during which someone is engaged in work. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is both correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science & Research

4%

The Guardian - Money

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working hours" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to define the period allocated for work. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is versatile across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. The phrase is employed to convey information about work schedules and operational timings. While generally neutral in register, clarity in its usage is crucial, especially regarding overtime and break times. Exploring related phrases like "work schedule" and "business hours" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work schedule

Focuses on the planned arrangement of work time, often implying a structured timetable.

duty hours

Emphasizes the time one is obligated to be available for work, particularly in service roles.

business hours

Refers to the hours a business is open or operational, shifting the focus from the employee to the company.

office hours

Similar to business hours, but specifically relating to an office or professional setting.

operating hours

Broader term referring to the time during which a system or service is available.

employment hours

Highlights the hours dedicated to employment, often used in legal or contractual contexts.

shift times

Specifically refers to the times allocated for a shift in a workplace, often rotating.

time at work

A more general way of referring to the period spent working, which can include activities beyond scheduled hours.

hours of operation

Similar to operating hours, often used for facilities or services.

work timetable

Indicates a structured plan of when work is to be carried out.

FAQs

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

You can use "working hours" to describe a period of time spent working. For example, "Our "working hours" are from 9am to 5pm", or "The contract specifies the "working hours" for this position".

What are some alternatives to "working hours"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "business hours", "office hours", "work schedule" or "operating hours".

What's the typical length of "working hours" in a standard work week?

While it varies by country and company, a standard work week often consists of 40 "working hours", typically spread across five days.

Are breaks included in "working hours"?

This depends on the employment agreement and local labor laws. Some employers include paid breaks as part of "working hours", while others do not. It is essential to clarify this with your employer.