How to read 8:45 on an analog clock
At 8:45, the minute hand points at the 9, which represents the 45th minute. The hour hand is between the 8 and the 9, but closer to the 9. This means we are 15 minutes away from nine o’clock.
In English, when the minute hand is on the 9, we say phrases like: It’s a quarter to 9.
It’s a quarter to nine.
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 8:45
- They left the house at it’s a quarter to nine. to catch the train.
- I always start cooking dinner around it’s a quarter to nine.
- Her dance class begins precisely at 8:45.
- My alarm goes off at 8:45 every morning.
- Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s a quarter to nine!