How to read 2:55 on an analog clock
At 2:55, the minute hand points at the 11, which represents the 55th minute. The hour hand is between the 2 and the 3, but closer to the 3. This means we are 5 minutes away from three o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 11, we say phrases like: It’s 5 to 3.
It’s 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 2:55
- They left the house at it’s five to three. to catch the train.
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s five to three.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 2:55.
- My alarm goes off at 2:55 every morning.
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s five to three!