Telling Time In English

There are two common ways of saying what time it is.

• 6:05 – six (oh) five or five past six
• 6:10 – six ten or ten past six
• 6:15 – six fifteen or a quarter past six
• 6:25 – six twenty five or twenty five past six
• 6:30 – six thirty or half past six
• 6:45 – six forty five or a quarter to seven
• 6:50 – six fifty or ten to seven
• 7:00 – seven o’clock

The expression o’clock is used only at the hour.

Compare

• Wake me at six (o’clock).
• Wake me at ten past six. (NOT … ten past six o’clock.)

In American English after is often used instead of past. It is also possible to use of, before and till instead of to.

• Ten past six (= 6:10, Great Britain)
• Ten after six (= 6:10, US)
• Ten to nine (= 8:50, GB)
• Ten of nine (= 8:50, US)

Asking what time it is

You can use any of the following expressions.

• What time is it?
• What is the time?
• Have you got the time? (Informal)
• Could you tell me the time?
• What time is it by your watch?