| Expressing
Time
A Biztip reader wanted to know whether to use numbers or words
when expressing time.
BIztip Response:
When you are using a.m. or p.m., use the numbers.
Example
We will start the meeting at 8:30 a.m. (Note the space between
the number and a.m.)
He can usually be found at the gym between noon and 1:30 p.m.
There is no need
to add zeros for time that is “on
the hour.”
Example
We will start the meeting at 8 a.m.
When using the
word o’clock, you can use either numbers
or words.
Example
The ceremony will start at two o’clock in the afternoon.
(Used to indicate formality)
You must be ready by 2 o’clock. (Used for emphasis)
If the
reader will easily understand whether you are discussing
a morning
or afternoon timeframe, you can omit the a.m. or
p.m. or o’clock. You could either
spell the word out for easy reading or use the figures.
Your workday ends at 4:30.
Your workday ends at four-thirty not at four twenty-eight.
Your workday ends at 16 30. (24-hour clock)
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