Time-Telling in English: Essential Rules and Expressions
The English system for telling time follows specific patterns and conventions that differ from other languages. This comprehensive guide explains the fundamental rules and expressions used in English time-telling.
Definition: The English time system primarily uses a 12-hour clock format, supplemented with AM antemeridiem for morning hours and PM postmeridiem for afternoon/evening hours.
Vocabulary:
- "Noon" or "midday" = 12:00 PM
- "Midnight" = 12:00 AM
- "O'clock" = Used when telling exact hours
- "Quarter" = 15 minutes
- "Half" = 30 minutes
Example: Converting 24-hour time to 12-hour format:
- 14:00 becomes 2 PM
- 15:00 becomes 3 PM
Highlight: For minutes 1-30, use "past" e.g.,"quarterpasteight"for8:15. For minutes 31-59, use "to" with the next hour e.g.,"tentonine"for8:50.
Quote: "It's a quarter past eight" is the correct way to express 8:15, while "It's ten to nine" properly expresses 8:50.
The guide also emphasizes the importance of using "half past" for 30-minute marks, such as "half past twelve" for 12:30 or "half past eight" for 8:30, demonstrating the systematic approach to English time expressions.