When writing emails, it’s essential to clearly communicate the time you are referring to, especially when corresponding with individuals in different time zones. In this guide, we’ll explore how to express UK time in formal and informal email communications. We’ll also include tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Express UK Time
In formal email correspondence, it’s important to maintain a professional tone and clearly convey the time you are referring to. Here are some common ways to express UK time formally:
1. Use Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
The most common and internationally recognized way to refer to UK time formally is by using Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). GMT does not change with daylight saving time, making it a stable reference point. For instance:
Please join our virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 15th, at 10:00 AM GMT.
2. Mention UK or British Time
Another suitable way to indicate UK time is by explicitly mentioning “UK time” or “British time” in your email. This helps eliminate any confusion regarding the time zone you are referring to. Here’s an example:
I look forward to our call tomorrow at 5:30 PM UK time.
Informal Ways to Express UK Time
In informal email conversations, you have more flexibility in expressing UK time. While still ensuring clarity, you can adopt a more relaxed tone. Here are some informal ways to mention UK time:
1. Use Local Time Reference
When communicating informally, you can refer to the time in the UK by using local time references, such as “morning,” “afternoon,” “evening,” or “night.” This conveys a sense of informality and can be more relatable. For example:
Let’s have our video call tomorrow evening around 8 PM your time, which will be early morning for me here in the UK.
2. Provide a Time Conversion
If you know the corresponding local time for the recipient, you can provide them with a time conversion, making it easier for them to determine the suitable time. Here’s an example:
Our team meeting is scheduled for 3 PM UK time, which is 10 AM Eastern Standard Time in the US.
Tips for Expressing UK Time
To ensure effective communication of UK time in emails, consider these valuable tips:
1. Use a Reliable Time Conversion Tool
When dealing with international correspondences, it’s wise to use a reliable time conversion tool to determine the accurate time difference. This helps you avoid errors and conflicts in scheduling. Websites like timeanddate.com or apps like World Clock can be helpful in converting time zones.
2. Specify the Time Zone Difference
If your email recipients are located in multiple time zones, it’s useful to specify the time zone difference explicitly. This avoids any confusion when coordinating meetings or events. For instance:
Our conference call is scheduled for 2 PM UK time (GMT+1).
3. Use a Clear Subject Line
When sending emails that require attention to UK time, ensure the subject line clearly indicates the time zone mentioned. This preemptively signals the content of the email and helps recipients manage their schedules accordingly. For example:
Subject: Reminder: Quarterly Review Meeting – Friday, March 4th, 9:00 AM GMT
Examples:
Let’s now look at some examples where UK time is expressed using both formal and informal approaches in an email setting.
1. Formal Email Example:
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to schedule our weekly catch-up call for next Tuesday. Please let me know if 2:30 PM GMT works for you, or if you would prefer a different time slot.
Best regards,
John Evans
2. Informal Email Example:
Hi Sarah,
How are you doing? I was thinking of scheduling our brainstorming session for tomorrow evening around 7 PM your time, which will be late afternoon for us here in the UK. Would that work for you?
Cheers,
Matt
