Telling time in English can seem confusing at first, but with a little practice, it becomes easy. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to mastering this essential skill, covering various methods and expressions.
Two Common Ways to Tell Time
There are two primary ways to express time in English:
1. Hour + Minutes
This method involves stating the hour followed by the minutes. For example:
- 6:25: It’s six twenty-five.
- 8:05: It’s eight O-five (pronounced “oh-five”).
- 9:11: It’s nine eleven.
- 2:34: It’s two thirty-four.
This approach is straightforward and commonly used in everyday conversations.
2. Minutes + PAST / TO + Hour
This method focuses on how many minutes have passed or are remaining until the next hour.
- For minutes 1-30, use “past”:
- 11:20: It’s twenty past eleven.
- 4:18: It’s eighteen past four.
- For minutes 31-59, use “to”:
- 2:35: It’s twenty-five to three.
- 8:51: It’s nine to nine. (Almost nine o’clock).
- 2:59: It’s one to three. (Almost three o’clock)
Using “Quarter” and “Half”
For specific time increments, English uses special terms:
-
Quarter past: Indicates 15 minutes after the hour.
- 7:15: It’s a quarter past seven.
-
Quarter to: Indicates 15 minutes before the hour.
- 12:45: It’s a quarter to one.
-
Half past: Indicates 30 minutes past the hour.
- 3:30: It’s half past three (or three-thirty).
Expressing Time on the Hour
When there are no minutes, use “o’clock”:
- 10:00: It’s ten o’clock.
- 5:00: It’s five o’clock.
Special Case: 12:00
There are several ways to express 12:00:
- Twelve o’clock
- Midday
- Noon
- Midnight
AM and PM
English uses a 12-hour clock system with a.m. (ante meridiem) for times before noon and p.m. (post meridiem) for times after noon:
- 3 a.m.: Three o’clock in the morning.
- 3 p.m.: Three o’clock in the afternoon.
Asking for the Time
Here are some common ways to ask for the time:
- What time is it?
- What’s the time?
- Could you tell me the time, please? (More polite)
Giving the Time of an Event
Use “at” when specifying the time of an event:
- The train departs at 7:15 p.m.
- The meeting starts at half past nine.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to solidify your understanding is through consistent practice. Try these exercises:
- Say the time aloud: Look at a clock and practice expressing the time using both methods.
- Write down the time: Have someone tell you the time and write it down correctly.
- Use online resources: Many websites and apps offer interactive exercises for telling time in English.
Conclusion
Learning to tell time in English is a fundamental skill for effective communication. By understanding the different methods and expressions, and with consistent practice, you’ll confidently master this essential aspect of the English language.
