Telling the time in English - using AM, PM, asking for the time and example sentences.

In English, hours are generally used in two different ways: the 12-hour and 24-hour systems.

12-Hour System

In this system, hours are divided into two groups: AM (Ante Meridiem) and PM (Post Meridiem). AM: It means before noon, from midnight 00:00 to 11:59 noon (00:00 - 11:59). PM: It means after noon, from 12:00 noon to 23:59 at night (12:00 - 23:59). The time is expressed with the structure 'hour + minute + AM/PM'.

It's 8:00 AM - It's eight o'clock in the morning.

It's 2:00 PM - It's two o'clock in the afternoon.

It's 6:00 PM - It's six o'clock in the evening.

24-Hour System

In this system, the day is divided into a 24-hour period. It starts at midnight 00:00 and continues until 23:59. It is usually used in military, transportation, and official hours. Hours are expressed with minutes and AM/PM is not added.

13:45 (1:45 in the afternoon)

09:30 (9:30 in the morning)

Ways of Telling Time

O’clock 

When the hour is exact, the expression "o'clock" is used.

8:00: "It’s eight o’clock."

11:00: "It’s eleven o’clock."

Past

If it is up to 30 minutes after a particular hour, "past" is used. Minutes are usually said first.

3:10: "It’s ten past three."

7:20: "It’s twenty past seven."

To

When approaching the next hour, the number of minutes left is expressed with "to".

5:45: "It’s quarter to six."

11:50: "It’s ten to twelve."

Half

When it is 30 minutes after a particular hour, the phrase "half past" is used.

2:30: "It’s half past two."

9:30: "It’s half past nine."

Quarter

The expressions "quarter past" and "quarter to" are used in quarter time points.

4:15: "It’s quarter past four."

8:45: "It’s quarter to nine."

Midday / Midnight

In English, midnight is shown as 00:00 in the 24-hour system and 12:00 AM in the 12-hour system. Midday is shown as 12:00 in the 24-hour system and 12:00 PM in the 12-hour system.

It’s midday.

It’s midnight.

The train leaves at 00:00.

The sun is highest in the sky at midday.

Other Usages

If we do not want to use 'past, to' when telling the time, we can say 'It's + hour + minute' as in the examples below. This usage is especially preferred in spoken language.

8:05: "It’s eight five."

6:15: "It’s six fifteen."

10:30: "It’s ten thirty."

7:44: "It’s seven forty-four."

Asking for the Time

The following two phrases are generally used to ask for the time in English.

What time is it?

What is the time?

Besides these two phrases, other moulds can also be used.

Do you have the time?

Do you happen to know what time it is?

Could you tell me what’s the time?

May I ask what time it is, sir?