O'clock definitions
| Word backwards | kcolc'o |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "o'clock" is an adverbial phrase. |
| Syllabic division | o'clock syllable separation: o'clock |
| Plural | The plural form of "o'clock" is "o'clocks". |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (1) | o |
| Consonants (3) | c,l,k |
O'clock is a commonly used term to indicate the exact hour of the day. It comes from the old English term "of the clock," which means "according to the clock." When someone mentions a specific time followed by "o'clock," it implies that it is exactly that time on the hour.
O'clock eliminates the need to specify minutes when conveying the time, making it a convenient way to quickly communicate the hour. For example, saying "3 o'clock" is much simpler than saying "3:00" or "three fifteen." This simplicity and preciseness make o'clock a versatile term in everyday conversations.
Origin and Usage
The term o'clock has been in use for centuries and is still widely used today. It originated as a way to make time-telling more efficient and clearer. By stating the hour followed by o'clock, the speaker can provide a concise time reference without the need for additional details.
Informal and Formal Contexts
O'clock is suitable for both informal and formal contexts. In casual conversations, it adds a sense of informality and ease. On the other hand, in professional settings, using o'clock can still convey the time clearly and effectively without sounding overly casual or imprecise.
Writing Conventions
When writing the term o'clock, it is important to include an apostrophe before the "o" to indicate the missing letters from "of." It is also recommended to use lowercase letters for "o'clock" unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence.
In conclusion, o'clock remains a practical and widely accepted way to denote the exact hour of the day. Whether in spoken or written form, this term continues to serve as a straightforward and convenient method of telling time.
O'clock Examples
- I will meet you at 3 o'clock for lunch.
- The train is scheduled to depart at 5 o'clock sharp.
- Let's have a conference call at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.
- The store closes at 9 o'clock in the evening.
- I have a dentist appointment at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
- The movie starts at 7 o'clock, don't be late.
- She always goes for a run at 6 o'clock in the morning.
- The office party is at 8 o'clock on Friday night.
- I'll call you back at 4 o'clock after my meeting.
- The library opens at 11 o'clock on weekdays.