How to read 3:35 on an analog clock

At 3:35, the minute hand points at the 7, which represents the 35th minute. The hour hand is between the 3 and the 4, but closer to the 4. This means we are 25 minutes away from four o’clock.

In English, when the minute hand is on the 7, we say phrases like: It’s 25 to 4.

It’s twenty-five to four.

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 3:35

  • They left the house at it’s twenty-five to four. to catch the train.
  • Her dance class begins precisely at 3:35.
  • I always start cooking dinner around it’s twenty-five to four.
  • We usually go for a walk around 3:35.
  • Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s twenty-five to four!

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