What is a quarter past nine?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Isabella Wilson
Studied at the University of Buenos Aires, Lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
As an expert in linguistics and timekeeping, I'd like to clarify a common point of confusion regarding the expression of time in English. The phrase "a quarter past nine" is a standard way to denote the time that is fifteen minutes after the hour of nine o'clock. This is a universally recognized format, where "quarter" refers to a quarter of an hour, or fifteen minutes. It's part of the 12-hour clock system, which is widely used in many English-speaking countries.
When we talk about time, there are several ways to express it. For instance, "ten of six" is another way to say "5:50," where "ten" refers to ten minutes before the next hour, which is six o'clock in this case. This is a bit different from "a quarter of nine," which is not a standard expression and could be confusing for non-native speakers.
The key to understanding these expressions lies in the structure of the English language and the conventions used to convey time. Here's a breakdown of the common ways to express time:
1. On the hour: Simply stating the hour, like "nine o'clock."
2. Past the hour: Using "past" followed by the number of minutes after the hour, such as "five past nine" (9:05).
3. To the hour: Using "to" followed by the number of minutes until the next hour, like "five to nine" (8:55).
4. Quarter past/before the hour: This indicates fifteen minutes after or before the hour, such as "a quarter past nine" (9:15) or "a quarter to nine" (8:45).
5. Half past the hour: This is straightforward, indicating thirty minutes after the hour, like "half past nine" (9:30).
6. Minutes past the hour: Any number of minutes can be stated after the hour, for example, "twenty minutes past nine" (9:20).
7.
Minutes to the hour: Similar to "past," but indicating the time remaining until the next hour, such as "twenty minutes to nine" (8:40).
Now, regarding the phrase "a quarter of nine," it's not a standard term in English timekeeping. It could be interpreted as "a quarter to nine" (8:45) by some, especially if they are used to the British English convention where "quarter" refers to fifteen minutes. However, it's not a clear or recommended way to express time, as it can lead to confusion.
To avoid misunderstandings, it's best to stick to the more conventional expressions like "a quarter past" or "a quarter to." These phrases are clear, universally understood, and less likely to cause confusion.
In conclusion, when expressing time in English, clarity is key. Using standard phrases and being aware of the potential for confusion can help ensure that your message is conveyed accurately. Whether you're a native or non-native speaker, understanding the nuances of time expressions can greatly enhance your communication skills.
When we talk about time, there are several ways to express it. For instance, "ten of six" is another way to say "5:50," where "ten" refers to ten minutes before the next hour, which is six o'clock in this case. This is a bit different from "a quarter of nine," which is not a standard expression and could be confusing for non-native speakers.
The key to understanding these expressions lies in the structure of the English language and the conventions used to convey time. Here's a breakdown of the common ways to express time:
1. On the hour: Simply stating the hour, like "nine o'clock."
2. Past the hour: Using "past" followed by the number of minutes after the hour, such as "five past nine" (9:05).
3. To the hour: Using "to" followed by the number of minutes until the next hour, like "five to nine" (8:55).
4. Quarter past/before the hour: This indicates fifteen minutes after or before the hour, such as "a quarter past nine" (9:15) or "a quarter to nine" (8:45).
5. Half past the hour: This is straightforward, indicating thirty minutes after the hour, like "half past nine" (9:30).
6. Minutes past the hour: Any number of minutes can be stated after the hour, for example, "twenty minutes past nine" (9:20).
7.
Minutes to the hour: Similar to "past," but indicating the time remaining until the next hour, such as "twenty minutes to nine" (8:40).
Now, regarding the phrase "a quarter of nine," it's not a standard term in English timekeeping. It could be interpreted as "a quarter to nine" (8:45) by some, especially if they are used to the British English convention where "quarter" refers to fifteen minutes. However, it's not a clear or recommended way to express time, as it can lead to confusion.
To avoid misunderstandings, it's best to stick to the more conventional expressions like "a quarter past" or "a quarter to." These phrases are clear, universally understood, and less likely to cause confusion.
In conclusion, when expressing time in English, clarity is key. Using standard phrases and being aware of the potential for confusion can help ensure that your message is conveyed accurately. Whether you're a native or non-native speaker, understanding the nuances of time expressions can greatly enhance your communication skills.
2024-05-13 01:45:04
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at Apple, Lives in Cupertino, CA
What does 'ten of six' mean in regard to time? As a non-native speaker, I consider a quarter past nine (9:15) and a quarter to nine (8:45) easy to understand. However every time I hear "a quarter of nine", I have to pause for a few seconds and make sure I get it right.
2023-06-13 01:57:04
Harper Davis
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
What does 'ten of six' mean in regard to time? As a non-native speaker, I consider a quarter past nine (9:15) and a quarter to nine (8:45) easy to understand. However every time I hear "a quarter of nine", I have to pause for a few seconds and make sure I get it right.
