How to read 9:35 on an analog clock

At 9:35, the minute hand points at the 7, which represents the 35th minute. The hour hand is between the 9 and the 10, but closer to the 10. This means we are 25 minutes away from ten o’clock.

In English, when the minute hand is on the 7, we say phrases like: It’s 25 to 10.

It’s twenty-five to ten.

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 9:35

  • We usually go for a walk around 9:35.
  • Don’t forget our call is scheduled for it’s twenty-five to ten!
  • Her dance class begins precisely at 9:35.
  • They left the house at it’s twenty-five to ten. to catch the train.
  • I always start cooking dinner around it’s twenty-five to ten.

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