How to tell the time in English

1

We use "past" for time after the full hour and before half past.

2

It's five past one.

3

It's quarter past two.

4

It's twenty-five past four.

5

We use "to" for time between half past and the full hour.

6

It's quarter to eight.

7

In the morning, lunch starts at half-past two.

8

In the evening, John usually finishes work at quarter past 6:00.

9

At night, we go to bed at half past eleven.

10

We use "o'clock" for time between half past and the full hour.