As an expert in the field of timekeeping and the intricacies of how time is communicated in English, I can provide a detailed explanation of how to interpret and articulate the time when it's "ten to two." Understanding the nuances of time expressions is crucial for clear communication, especially when it comes to scheduling and coordinating activities.
In English, there are several ways to express the time of day, and the method chosen often depends on the specific time and the regional preferences of the speaker. When we say "ten to two," we are referring to a time that is ten minutes before the hour of two o'clock. This means that the current time is 1:50 p.m. or 13:50 in 24-hour time format, which is commonly used in many parts of the world outside of the United States.
The phrase "ten to two" follows a specific pattern in English time expression. When the time is within the first half of the hour, we use the word "to" followed by the next hour and the number of minutes that remain until that hour. For example:
- "Ten to six" would be 5:50 p.m.
- "Five to three" would be 2:55 p.m.
This pattern is consistent and helps to avoid confusion when stating the time.
Conversely, when the time is in the latter half of the hour, we use the words "past" or "after" followed by the current hour and the number of minutes that have passed since that hour. For instance:
- "Ten past six" or "ten after six" would be 6:10 p.m.
- "Twenty past two" or "twenty after two" would be 2:20 p.m.
It's important to note that the use of "past" and "after" is interchangeable in most contexts, although "past" is more commonly used in British English, while "after" might be preferred in American English.
In addition to "to" and "past," there are other expressions used to describe the time more precisely:
- "Quarter" is used when the time is a quarter of an hour (15 minutes) before or after the hour. For example, "a quarter to three" is 2:45 p.m., and "a quarter past three" is 3:15 p.m.
- "Half" is used to indicate half an hour (30 minutes) past the hour. For example, "half past six" is 6:30 p.m.
- "O'clock" is used to denote the exact hour without minutes. For example, "two o'clock" is 2:00 p.m.
Understanding these expressions is essential for effective communication, especially in professional settings where precise timing is important. It's also beneficial for social interactions, as it helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding schedules and appointments.
In conclusion, when someone says "ten to two," they are referring to the time that is ten minutes before two o'clock, which is 1:50 p.m. or 13:50 in 24-hour format. This expression, along with "past" and "after," "quarter," "half," and "o'clock," forms the basis of English timekeeping and is a fundamental aspect of the language that should be mastered for clear and effective communication.
read more >>

Thus, 5:50 p.m. would be "ten to six" and 2:45 p.m. would be "quarter to three". Americans also use "to" when telling the time.) To indicate the minutes following the hour, "after" or "past" is used. Thus, 6:10 p.m. would be expressed as "ten past six" or "ten after six".Dec 14, 2010read more >>