Telling Time in English: Mastering the 12-Hour Clock System

Telling time in English is an essential skill for anyone looking to communicate effectively in the English language. The English language uses a 12-hour clock system, which can be confusing for those used to the 24-hour clock system. However, with a few simple rules and phrases, you can easily understand and tell time in English.

Hours

In the English 12-hour clock system, hours are divided into two parts: morning (AM) and afternoon/evening (PM). The AM part starts at 12:00 and goes up to 11:59, while the PM part starts at 12:00 and ends at 11:59 PM. It's important to note that "12:00" can refer to either noon (in the afternoon) or midnight (in the night).

Minutes

Minutes are used to represent the specific time within the hour. They range from 0 to 59. The American English way of expressing minutes is to say "half past," "quarter to," or "five minutes to" the next hour. For example, 10:30 is "half past ten," 10:45 is "quarter to eleven," and 10:55 is "five minutes to eleven."

Telling Time Phrases

There are several phrases used to tell time in English. Some common phrases include:

• "At" is used for specific times. For example, "I'll meet you at six pm."
• "In" is used for periods of time. For example, "I'll see you in the morning."
• "O'clock" is used to indicate a precise hour. For example, "It's seven o'clock."

Conclusion

Telling time in English can be a bit challenging for those not familiar with the 12-hour clock system. However, with practice and familiarity with the rules and phrases outlined in this article, you can easily understand and tell time in English.