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Lcchang Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Expressing time
The clock on the wall shows 2:30.
Americans say it's two-thirty.
British people say it's half past two or half after two.
Can we also say it's half to three?
Please advise.
LCChang
Americans say it's two-thirty.
British people say it's half past two or half after two.
Can we also say it's half to three?
Please advise.
LCChang
Top answer
It is 30 minutes to 3. I would use it this way if this moment (3 o'clock) was of great importance - they launch a rocket to the Sun. Inchoate
- It is 30 minutes to 3.
- I would use it this way if this moment (3 o'clock) was of great importance - they launch a rocket to the Sun.
- Inchoate
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15 Answers
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It is 30 minutes to 3.
I would use it this way if this moment (3 o'clock) was of great importance - they launch a rocket to the Sun.
Inchoate
I would use it this way if this moment (3 o'clock) was of great importance - they launch a rocket to the Sun.
Inchoate
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Hi guys,
It is 30 minutes to 3. This is not a natural expression.
For NASA and its rockets, airline schedules, etc. they use the 24-hour clock, and would say 'fourteen thirty'.
Best wishes, Clive
It is 30 minutes to 3. This is not a natural expression.
For NASA and its rockets, airline schedules, etc. they use the 24-hour clock, and would say 'fourteen thirty'.
Best wishes, Clive
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British people say "two-thirty", "half two", and "half past two"; but I don't believe I've ever heard "half after two".
MrP
MrP
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Do you say "Quarter after two" or "Quater to three" if it's 2:15 and 2:45, respectively?
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Not "quarter after"¹, but "quarter past"; and yes, "quarter to".
Don't you?
<aghast>
MrP
¹ There may be parts of the UK where they say "quarter after two", etc. I don't know what they get up to on all those little islands, for instance.
Don't you?
<aghast>
MrP
¹ There may be parts of the UK where they say "quarter after two", etc. I don't know what they get up to on all those little islands, for instance.
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LMAO - all those little islands.
I'm more likely to say "quater after" than "quarter past," but I'll say either. Also, "five of" in addition to "five to."
Divided by a common language, indeed.
I'm more likely to say "quater after" than "quarter past," but I'll say either. Also, "five of" in addition to "five to."
Divided by a common language, indeed.
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Hi,
"five of" in addition to "five to." I'll have to remember that. I never know if 'five of' refers to 'before' or 'after'.
Clive
"five of" in addition to "five to." I'll have to remember that. I never know if 'five of' refers to 'before' or 'after'.
Clive
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It's interesting to see the conversation between Americans and British people in terms of expressing time. I 've learned, thanks.
LCChang
LCChang
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LcchangPerhaps "half before three"
Can we also say it's half to three?
Please advise.
LCChang
People commonly say Two-thirty in everyday usage.
Radio announcers would say "Half past the hour" (this is heard alot because they presume you already know the hour)
00
Hi,
Radio announcers also often say 'the bottom of the hour', because at that time the minute hand is pointing to the bottom of an analogue clock.
For some reason, I find this a little irritating.
Best wishes, Clive
Radio announcers also often say 'the bottom of the hour', because at that time the minute hand is pointing to the bottom of an analogue clock.
For some reason, I find this a little irritating.
Best wishes, Clive
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