The phrase "an hour" and the phrase "a hour" are two expressions that often confuse English language learners. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, they have different meanings and usages. In this article we will explain the grammar definition of these two phrases as well as offer an answer to commonly asked questions about them.
Table Of Content:
- Hour | Definition of Hour by Merriam-Webster
- Eleventh hour Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- After-hours | Definition of After-hours by Merriam-Webster
- Hour Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
- After-hours definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
- HOUR | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
- Waking hours definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
- Time - English Grammar Today - Cambridge Dictionary
- Half an hour definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
- Need of the Hour Idiom Meaning in english | Good vocabulary words ...
1. Hour | Definition of Hour by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hour
4 : the distance that can be traveled in an hour She lives three hours from here. More from Merriam-Webster on hour. Nglish: Translation of hour for Spanish ...
2. Eleventh hour Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/eleventh-hour
Eleventh hour definition, the last possible moment for doing something: to ... Top Definitions; Quizzes; Related Content; Examples; British; Cultural; Idioms And ... Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar ...
3. After-hours | Definition of After-hours by Merriam-Webster
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after-hours
engaged in or operating after a legal or conventional closing time after-hours drinking an after-hours club. First Known Use of after-hours. 1902, in the meaning ...
4. Hour Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hour
Hour definition, a period of time equal to one twenty-fourth of a mean solar or civil day ... or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar ... 1175–1225; Middle English (h)oure
5. After-hours definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/after-hours
After-hours definition: You use after-hours to describe activities which happen after the end of the usual time... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and ...
6. HOUR | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/hour
5 days ago ... hour meaning: 1. a period of 60 minutes: 2. the period of time when a particular activity happens or when a shop…. Learn more.
7. Waking hours definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/waking-hours
Waking hours definition: Your waking hours are the times when you are awake rather than asleep. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples.
8. Time - English Grammar Today - Cambridge Dictionary
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/time
A good learner's dictionary will give you its many meanings and tell you whether it is countable or uncountable. Time: seconds, minutes, hours, years. We use time ...
9. Half an hour definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/half-an-hour
Half an hour definition: a period of 30 minutes | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples.
10. Need of the Hour Idiom Meaning in english | Good vocabulary words ...
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/805440714584527087/
Need of the Hour Idiom Meaning in english Practice English Grammar, English ... Over head and ears idiom meaning and examples English Grammar Book, ...
What is the difference between 'an hour' and 'a hour'?
The main difference between ‘an hour’ and ‘a hour’ is their usage. The phrase ‘an hour’ is used in reference to a specific yet unspecified amount of time used to measure a period of work or leisure, while ‘a hour’ usually means any given hour in a day or night.
How do we use 'an hour' correctly?
‘An Hour’ is most often used when referring to an indefinite amount of time such as in sentences like, "It takes about an hour to drive to my grandmother's house." It can also be used with dates and times when referring to an unspecified moment in time such as "There was a party starting at an hour past midnight."
What does 'a hour' mean?
The phrase ‘a hour’ typically refers to any given period of time such as 9am or 3pm in a day or night. For example, one could say, "We left at a quarter past nine, so we should arrive by a quarter till ten."
Is it ever appropriate to use 'a hour' instead of 'an hour'?
Yes, it is appropriate to use ‘a hour’ when referrring to particular moments of time throughout the day or night such as 3 pm or 6 am. It can also be used when talking about distinct periods such as "I'll pick you up at six o'clock sharp - no later than half past six!"
Conclusion:
"An Hour" and "A Hour" are both phrases that have different meanings and usages. While "An Hour" generally refers to indefinite amounts of time like hours spent doing something, "A Hour" refers more specifically to distinct points throughout the day like 8am or 11pm. Knowing which expression you should use for each situation allows you speak English clearly and accurately!