How to read 2:35 on an analog clock
At 2:35, the minute hand points at the 7, which represents the 35th minute. The hour hand is between the 2 and the 3, but closer to the 3. This means we are 25 minutes away from three o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 7, we say phrases like: It’s 25 to 3.
It’s twenty-five to three.
This is a common way of expressing time in spoken English. These expressions sound more natural in everyday conversation.
It’s important to understand that we often refer to the next hour when using “to”, even if the hour hand hasn’t reached it yet.
Example sentences with 2:35
- Her dance class begins precisely at 2:35.
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s twenty-five to three.
- We usually go for a walk around 2:35.
- My alarm goes off at 2:35 every morning.
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s twenty-five to three!