When it comes to telling time in British English, there are a few variations and nuances that can be useful to know. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways of expressing time, as well as some regional variations that you might come across. So, let’s dive in and learn how to tell the time like a true Brit!
Table of Contents
Formal Time Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official events, it’s important to use the appropriate language to convey the time. Here are some common formal time expressions used in British English:
1. On the Hour
When the time is exactly on the hour, you can simply state the hour followed by “o’clock.” For example:
– It’s 9 o’clock.
2. Quarter Past and Quarter To
To express a quarter past the hour, use the phrase “quarter past” followed by the hour. For example:
– It’s a quarter past 2.
Similarly, for a quarter to the hour, use the phrase “quarter to” followed by the next hour. For example:
– It’s a quarter to 3.
3. Half Past
To express half past the hour, use the phrase “half past” followed by the hour. For example:
– It’s half past 4.
4. Minutes Past and Minutes To
For any time that is not on the hour, you can use the phrase “minutes past” or “minutes to” as appropriate. Simply state the number of minutes followed by the preposition and the hour. For example:
– It’s ten minutes past 6.
– It’s twenty minutes to 9.
Informal Time Expressions
In casual conversations or less formal settings, British English speakers often use more relaxed and concise expressions to convey the time. Here are some common informal time expressions used across the UK:
1. On the Dot
When the time is exactly on the hour, it is common to say “on the dot” instead of “o’clock.” For example:
– It’s 6 on the dot.
2. Just After and Just Before
To express a slightly past or slightly before the hour, you can use the phrases “just after” and “just before” respectively, followed by the hour. For example:
– It’s just after 3.
– It’s just before 9.
3. About
When there is some uncertainty or approximation involved, you can use the word “about” before stating the hour. This indicates that the time is an approximation or an educated guess. For example:
– It’s about 7, I think.
Regional Variations
British English is rich in regional variations, and telling the time is no exception. While the differences are subtle, they add character to the language. Here are a couple of regional variations you might encounter:
1. Scotland
In Scotland, it is common to use the phrase “quaater tae” instead of “quarter to” when expressing a quarter to the hour. For example:
– It’s a quaater tae 5.
2. North of England
In the North of England, the word “to” is often replaced with “till” or “past” is replaced with “after.” For example:
– It’s ten past 7.
– It’s ten after 7.
These regional variations vary in popularity and may not be used consistently throughout each region. However, being aware of them can help you understand the local dialect and be better prepared for conversations in different parts of the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of how to say the time in British English. Whether you find yourself in a formal business meeting or a casual chat with a British friend, you can confidently express the time using both formal and informal expressions. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and soon telling the time in British English will become second nature to you. Good luck!
