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 (ante meridiem) for morning hours and PM (post meridiem) 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., "quarter past eight" for 8:15). For minutes 31-59, use "to" with the next hour (e.g., "ten to nine" for 8:50).

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.