How to read 2:45 on an analog clock
At 2:45, the minute hand points at the 9, which represents the 45th minute. The hour hand is between the 2 and the 3, but closer to the 3. This means we are 15 minutes away from three o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 9, we say phrases like: It’s a quarter to 3.
It’s a quarter 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 2:45
- We usually go for a walk around 2:45.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 2:45.
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s a quarter to three!
- My alarm goes off at 2:45 every morning.
- They left the house at it’s a quarter to three. to catch the train.