Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say time in UK English. Timekeeping is an essential part of everyday life, and understanding how to express the time correctly can greatly improve your communication skills. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say the time, as well as some regional variations if necessary. Whether you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom or simply looking to expand your language skills, this guide is here to help! So let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say the Time
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, interviews, or official events, it is important to use a clear and professional way to express the time. Here are some tips and examples:
TIP: When stating the time, it is common to use the 24-hour clock format in formal settings.
Example 1:
8:30 AM – “It’s eight-thirty in the morning.”
When referring to the morning hours, it is common to use phrases like “in the morning” or “AM” (Ante Meridiem).
Example 2:
3:45 PM – “It’s fifteen forty-five in the afternoon.”
For afternoon hours, use phrases such as “in the afternoon” or “PM” (Post Meridiem) to indicate the time.
Example 3:
11:20 PM – “It’s twenty past eleven in the evening.”
In the evening, you can use phrases like “in the evening” or “at night” to specify the time. It’s important to note that after midnight (12:00 AM), the hours are generally treated as part of the previous day.
Informal Ways to Say the Time
When it comes to casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, there are more relaxed ways to express the time. Here are some tips and examples:
TIP: In informal situations, it is common to use the 12-hour clock format.
Example 1:
8:30 AM – “It’s half past eight in the morning.”
When talking casually, using phrases like “half past” or “o’clock” can replace the exact time. In this case, “half past eight” means 8:30 AM.
Example 2:
3:45 PM – “It’s quarter to four in the afternoon.”
Instead of using specific minutes, it is common to use phrases such as “quarter past” or “quarter to” in informal settings. “Quarter to four” means 3:45 PM.
Example 3:
11:20 PM – “It’s twenty past eleven at night.”
Similar to the formal way, you can use phrases like “at night” or “in the evening” to specify the time. Time expressions like “twenty past” or “ten to” are frequently used in informal conversations.
Regional Variations
While UK English is generally consistent throughout the country, there are some slight regional variations in how time is said. Here are a couple of examples:
Example 1:
In some regions, it is common to use the word “bong” to emphasize the hour when the bells of Big Ben ring the hour. For example:
3:00 PM – “It’s three o’clock bong.”
While this variation is not universal, it adds a unique charm to certain areas in the UK.
Example 2:
In Scotland, a commonly used phrase is:
6:15 PM – “It’s a quarter past six.”
Using the term “a quarter” instead of “quarter” is often heard in Scottish English.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! By reaching the end of this guide, you have gained valuable knowledge on how to say the time in UK English. Remember to adjust your expressions based on the formality of the situation, and feel free to use the informal ways to express the time in casual conversations. Additionally, be aware of any regional variations you may encounter during your travels. Now, go out and confidently communicate the time like a true language enthusiast!
