zero hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zero hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to the time to begin an operation or event, such as, "At zero hour, the troops began their mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It's "zero hour for our economy," says one of Lenny's friends, "zero hour for our military might, zero hour for everything that used to make us proud to be ourselves".

The New York Times - Books

Zero hour was approaching.

The New York Times - Food

They read "the zero hour has come.

Independent

It was called Zero Hour!

The Guardian - Film

Saturday morning is zero hour for short-order cooks.

The New Yorker

Zero hour contracts are rife, permanent roles sparse.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Zero-hour contracts are disgusting.

The Guardian

No real jobs, just zero-hour contracts.

The Guardian

This concurrent rise of zero-hour contracts is no coincidence.

Independent

Unhappy about being on a zero-hour contract?

The Guardian

Sports Direct is now justly infamous for its zero-hour contracts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zero hour" when referring to the commencement of a planned event, especially in military or high-stakes situations. Ensure the context aligns with the sense of urgency or importance the phrase implies.

Common error

Avoid using "zero hour" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "start time" or "beginning" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zero hour" functions as a noun, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the commencement of an operation or event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zero hour" is a noun phrase signifying the start of a significant event, often with military or strategic implications. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered grammatically correct and is frequently used in news media, though its overuse in casual contexts should be avoided. Alternative phrases include "crucial moment" and "launch time". The term carries a neutral to formal register, conveying urgency and planned initiation. Though its authoritative sources demonstrate common usage, "zero hour" remains somewhat uncommon compared to more general terms like "start time" or "beginning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial moment

Focuses on the criticality of the time rather than specifically indicating the start.

starting point

Indicates a point of commencement, without necessarily implying urgency or military connotations.

launch time

Specifically indicates the time when something is launched or initiated.

critical juncture

Highlights the significance and decisiveness of the moment.

designated time

Emphasizes the pre-arranged or scheduled nature of the moment.

D-day

Similar military connotation but more specific to a particular operation.

the eleventh hour

Implies something happening at the last possible moment before a deadline, rather than a starting point.

the beginning

A general term for the start of something, lacking the urgency or specific timing of "zero hour".

the appointed time

Highlights the planned and agreed-upon nature of the timing.

kick-off

Commonly used in sports to indicate the start of a game, but can be applied to other events.

FAQs

How can I use "zero hour" in a sentence?

You can use "zero hour" to indicate the start of an important event or operation, such as, "The troops were ready for action at "zero hour"."

What phrases are similar to "zero hour"?

Alternatives include "crucial moment", "starting point", or "launch time" depending on the context.

Is "zero hour" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "zero hour" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in military, strategic, or historical contexts. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What is the origin of the term "zero hour"?

The term "zero hour" originated in military contexts to designate the specific time when an operation was scheduled to begin. Its usage has since expanded to other fields to denote a critical starting point.