A2 · 1-minute English lesson
The rule, three real examples and a quick check, in one minute.
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A time expression points to a specific minute in the day.
Example 1 of 3
Our morning team briefing starts at nine o'clock sharp.
The speaker uses o'clock because the event begins precisely on the hour with no…
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Example 2 of 3
The dentist can see you at twenty past two.
Twenty past two means 2:20, indicating twenty minutes after the second hour.
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Example 3 of 3
We should board the shuttle at ten to six.
Ten to six means 5:50 because ten minutes remain before the sixth hour.
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Both clock phrases and digital numbers are common in spoken English.
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