Telling Time on an Analog Clock
Master the vocabulary and precision of reading time — from o'clock to quarter past
Learning Objectives
- Read time on an analog clock to the nearest minute or 5 minutes
- Use terms such as o'clock, half past, quarter past, and quarter to describe time
- Understand the difference between AM and PM times and how they relate to parts of the day
Key Concept
For more precise times, count by fives from 12. The minute hand on 1 = :05, on 2 = :10, on 3 = :15, and so on up to 12 = :00. For times between the numbers, count the individual minute marks. If the minute hand is two marks past the 4, that's 4 × 5 + 2 = 22 minutes past the hour.
Street-Smart Tip
When scheduling appointments, always confirm AM or PM — especially for phone calls, interviews, or medical visits. Write it down immediately. A missed appointment because of an AM/PM mix-up can cost you time, money, or an opportunity.
Quick Check
1. When the minute hand is on the 3, what time vocabulary do we use?
2. What does "quarter to five" mean in digital time?
3. You have a doctor's appointment at 2:00 PM. It's currently 1:42 PM and the drive takes 25 minutes. What should you do?