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Time in Words

Read a digital clock as a person would say it.

Spoken time
twenty-three past two
British style: twenty-three past two
American (concatenated): two twenty-three
Digital: 14:23

British English uses "quarter past", "half past", and "twenty to" forms. American English often skips them and just reads the digits ("two twenty-three"). Useful for ESL practice or for narrating times in fiction.

About

Pick a time. Get the British-style spoken version ("twenty-three past two") and the American concatenated version ("two twenty-three"). Useful for ESL learners and writers.

How to use

  1. Pick a time.
  2. Read both styles.

FAQ

British vs American?+

British uses "quarter past", "half past", "twenty to". American often skips them: "two thirty", "two forty". Both are fine; British sounds more formal.