How to read 5:15 on an analog clock

At 5:15, the minute hand points at the 3, which represents the 15th minute. The hour hand is between the 5 and the 6, but closer to the 5. This means we are 15 minutes past five o’clock.

In English, when the minute hand is on the 3, we say phrases like: It’s a quarter past 5.

It’s a quarter past five.

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 5:15

  • Her dance class begins precisely at 5:15.
  • My alarm goes off at 5:15 every morning.
  • They left the house at it’s a quarter past five. to catch the train.
  • Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s a quarter past five!
  • We usually go for a walk around 5:15.

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