Telling the time in English

Summary

This video lesson teaches viewers how to tell the time in English using both exact hours and minutes past or to the hour. It covers expressions like 'two o’clock,' 'quarter past two,' 'half past two,' and 'twenty-five to three,' providing clear examples for each. The lesson emphasizes regular practice in daily activities to master these expressions, making it practical and easy to follow. With simple explanations and repeated examples, learners can confidently improve their ability to read and communicate time in English, making learning both engaging and effective.

Takeaways

• 🕒 The lesson focuses on teaching how to tell the time in English.
• ❓ 'What time is it?' is the standard question used to ask for the time.
• 2️⃣ Basic hour expressions include 'It's 2:00' or 'It's 3:00.'
• 🕔 Minutes past the hour can be expressed as '5 past 2,' '10 past 2,' '20 past 2,' or '25 past 2.'
• 🕘 'A quarter past' and 'half past' are common expressions for 15 and 30 minutes past the hour.
• ⏳ Minutes to the next hour are expressed as '25 to 3,' '20 to 3,' '10 to 3,' or '5 to 3.'
• 🕒 'A quarter to' is used for 15 minutes before the next hour.
• 🕰️ The script highlights both numeric and word-based ways to express time (e.g., '3:00' vs. 'three o’clock').
• 📅 Practice is emphasized as essential for mastering telling the time.
• 🎓 Learners are encouraged to use time expressions in daily activities for better retention.
• ⏱️ Both morning and afternoon/evening times can be expressed using 'a.m.' and 'p.m.' notations.

Q & A

What is the standard way to ask someone for the time in English?

The standard way is to ask, 'What time is it?'

How do you respond if it is exactly 2 o'clock?

You would say, 'It’s 2:00.'

How do you say 5 minutes past 2 in English?

You say, 'It’s 5 past 2.'

What is the correct way to express 10 minutes past 2?

You say, 'It’s 10 past 2.'

How do you say 25 minutes past 2?

You say, 'It’s 25 past 2.'

What phrase is used to indicate 30 minutes after the hour?

You use 'half past', for example, 'It’s half past 2.'

How do you express time when it is 25 minutes before 3?

You say, 'It’s 25 to 3.'

What does 'quarter to 3' mean?

'Quarter to 3' means it is 15 minutes before 3 o'clock.

How do you say 10 minutes before 3 in English?

You say, 'It’s 10 to 3.'

What tip does the video give for learning to tell time?

The video advises practicing telling the time during daily activities to improve quickly.

When should you use 'past' and 'to' when telling the time?

Use 'past' for minutes after the hour and 'to' for minutes before the next hour.