As a domain expert in the field of timekeeping and horology, I have a deep understanding of how time is measured and communicated. When we talk about "a quarter to 6," we're referring to a specific time interval before the hour of 6 o'clock. In the context of telling time, "quarter" typically means a quarter of an hour, which is 15 minutes. So, "a quarter to 6" would be 15 minutes before 6 o'clock, which is 5:45.

Understanding how to tell time is a fundamental skill that involves both the ability to read a clock face and to interpret verbal descriptions of time. Here's a breakdown of how we can interpret various phrases related to time:


1. "A quarter after": This means 15 minutes past the hour. For example, "a quarter after 5" would be 5:15.


2. "A quarter till": This means 15 minutes before the next hour. For example, "a quarter till 6" would be 5:45, as mentioned earlier.


3. "Half past": This indicates 30 minutes past the hour. For instance, "half past 4" is 4:30.

4. **"Ten after" or "Ten past"**: This is 10 minutes past the hour. For example, "ten past 3" would be 3:10.

5. **"Ten till" or "Ten to"**: This signifies 10 minutes before the next hour. For example, "ten to 5" would be 4:50.


6. "On the hour": This is exactly at the hour, with no minutes past or to the next hour.

7.
"Between": This phrase is used to describe a time that is not exactly on the hour but is between two specific times. For example, "between 3 and 4" could mean any time from 3:01 to 3:59.

Now, let's look at the reference content provided:

- "A quarter after 5" would be 5:15.
- "A quarter till 6" would be 5:45, which is the answer to the original question.
- "A quarter after 6" would be 6:15.
- "A quarter till 7" would be 6:45.
- "A quarter after 6" and "A quarter till 7" are different times, with the former being 15 minutes after 6 o'clock and the latter being 15 minutes before 7 o'clock.

It's important to note that the way we describe time can vary by region and culture. For example, in some parts of the world, "quarter" might mean a different amount of time, or the terms used to describe time intervals might be different.

In conclusion, when someone says "a quarter to 6," they are referring to the time that is 15 minutes before 6 o'clock, which is 5:45.

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5:00 - five o'clock. 5:15 - quarter after five (or, you could say, quarter past five) 5:30 - half past five. 5:45 - quarter to six (or, you could say, quarter 'till six)read more >>