Mastering "by the third hour": A Simple Grammar Guide

Have you ever wondered how to clearly express a deadline or a specific point in time in English? English learners often struggle with precise time expressions, but mastering them can significantly boost your fluency. One such useful phrase is "by the third hour." This adverbial phrase of time is perfect for indicating that something will be completed or will happen no later than a specific point. Let's dive in and unlock the meaning and proper use of this essential phrase to help you describe when and where actions take place naturally.

Image: Clock hands pointing to the third hour, with text "by the third hour"

What Does "by the third hour" Mean?
What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "by the third hour"?
Example Sentences with "by the third hour"
When and How to Use "by the third hour"
Summary and Practice Tip

What Does "by the third hour" Mean?

"By the third hour" means "no later than the completion of the third hour." It indicates a deadline or a point in time by which an action will have happened or will be completed. This phrase is used to show a limit in time.

It tells us when something will be finished. For example, if a task will be done "by the third hour," it means it will be done at some point during the first, second, or third hour, but definitely not after the third hour is over. It functions in a sentence by modifying a verb, telling us when an action occurs.

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What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "by the third hour"?

"By the third hour" is an adverbial phrase of time. It functions like an adverb, providing information about when something happens.

Let's break down its grammatical structure:

"By": This is a preposition. In this context, it signifies a deadline or a point in time that is not exceeded. According to Cambridge Dictionary, "by" can mean "not later than."
"The": This is a definite article.
"Third": This is an ordinal adjective, specifying the order.
"Hour": This is a noun.

Together, these words form a prepositional phrase that acts adverbially. This phrase usually comes at the end of a sentence. However, for emphasis, it can also appear at the beginning. It helps to modify verbs, giving more detail about the timing of the action.

Here are sample sentence patterns:

Subject + Verb + [Adverbial Phrase]: The show will conclude by the third hour.
[Adverbial Phrase], Subject + Verb: By the third hour, the project was complete.

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Example Sentences with "by the third hour"

Here are some natural sentences to show how you can use "by the third hour":

The hikers hoped to reach the summit by the third hour of their climb.
The new software update should be downloaded and installed by the third hour.
We expect the delivery to arrive at our office by the third hour today.
The children need to finish their homework by the third hour of the afternoon study session.

Here's a short dialogue:

Person A: "When will the exam results be posted online?"
Person B: "The professor promised they would be available by the third hour after the test."

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When and How to Use "by the third hour"

Using "by the third hour" is straightforward when you need to set a clear time limit. It's suitable for both formal and informal situations, whether you're writing an email, giving instructions, or telling a story.

Typical Use Cases:

Deadlines: "Please ensure all reports are submitted by the third hour of the workday."
Expected Completion: "The technicians guarantee the repair will be finished by the third hour."
Scheduling: "Our team plans to complete this phase of the project by the third hour of the meeting."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Confusing with "in the third hour": "In the third hour" means during the third hour. "By the third hour" means at or before the end of the third hour. For example, if a race finishes "in the third hour," it means it concludes sometime between the two-hour mark and the three-hour mark. If it finishes "by the third hour," it means it finishes at or before the three-hour mark.
Missing "the": Always include the definite article "the" before the ordinal number.
Word Order: While flexible for emphasis, placing it at the end is most common and natural for describing when the action is completed.

Summary and Practice Tip

In summary, "by the third hour" is an effective adverbial phrase of time. It precisely indicates a deadline or a completion point that is no later than the specified three-hour mark. Using this phrase helps you specify when actions occur, making your English more accurate and your sentences clearer.

To really master this phrase, try writing your own sentences. Think about something you need to finish or something that will happen soon. Can you use "by the third hour" to describe its timing? For more English grammar help and to improve your fluency in English, explore other articles on how to use adverbial phrases and common mistakes to avoid. Keep practicing your sentence structure to make your English sound more natural!