Materi Time

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on telling time in English, aimed at learners of all ages, particularly useful for seventh-grade students. We will cover how to differentiate between "am" and "pm," as well as how to express time using "o'clock," "past," and "to." Understanding these concepts will enhance your English communication skills and help you express time accurately in various situations.

Step 1: Understanding "am" and "pm"

To effectively communicate time, it is crucial to understand the difference between "am" and "pm."

• "am" (ante meridiem): Refers to the time from midnight until noon (12:00 AM to 11:59 AM).

  • Common phrases:
    • "in the morning" (e.g., 7:00 am is "in the morning")

• "pm" (post meridiem): Refers to the time from noon until midnight (12:00 PM to 11:59 PM).

  • Common phrases:
    • "in the afternoon" (e.g., 2:00 pm is "in the afternoon")
    • "in the evening" (e.g., 7:00 pm is "in the evening")

Practical Tip

When telling time, always specify whether it's morning or evening to avoid confusion, especially in casual conversations.

Step 2: Telling Time with "o'clock," "past," and "to"

There are different ways to express time in English, and it’s important to get familiar with these terms.

Using "o'clock"

• "o'clock" is used to indicate the exact hour.
  • Example: "It is 3 o'clock."

Using "past"

• "past" indicates a number of minutes after the hour.
  • Format: [minutes] past [hour]
  • Example: "It is 10 past 3" means 3:10.

Using "to"

• "to" indicates the number of minutes until the next hour.
  • Format: [minutes] to [hour]
  • Example: "It is 15 to 4" means 3:45.

Practical Advice

Practice using these terms in sentences:

• "It is 5 o'clock."
• "It is 20 past 2."
• "It is 10 to 6."

Step 3: Combining Terms for Full Clarity

When telling time, you can combine "am/pm" with the expressions learned.

• Example sentences:
  • "It is 8 o'clock in the morning." (8:00 am)
  • "It is 30 past 2 in the afternoon." (2:30 pm)
  • "It is 5 to 9 in the evening." (8:55 pm)

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to specify "am" or "pm" can lead to misunderstandings.
• Mixing up "past" and "to" can confuse listeners.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the essentials of telling time in English, including the differences between "am" and "pm," and how to use "o'clock," "past," and "to." Practice these concepts regularly to gain confidence in your ability to communicate time effectively. For further learning, try writing down various times using the different expressions and practice speaking them out loud.