The Situation
You are at a bus stop, a train station, a library or a shop. You need to know when: when the bus comes, when the shop opens, what time it is now. These questions are short, and the answers are usually numbers.
Key Phrases
Asking the time
| You say | Answer |
|---|---|
| Excuse me, what time is it? | It's ten thirty. (10:30) |
| Do you have the time? | It's quarter past two. (2:15) |
| It's almost five. (4:58) |
Note: Do you have the time? = What time is it? (Do you have time? = Are you free?)
Opening and closing
- What time does the library open? — It opens at nine.
- When does the shop close? — It closes at 8 p.m.
- Are you open on Sunday? — Yes, from 10 to 5.
Buses and trains
- When does the next bus leave? / When is the next bus?
- Does this bus go to the city centre?
- What time does the train arrive in Ottawa?
- How often does the bus come? — Every 15 minutes.
How long?
- How long does it take? — About twenty minutes.
- How long is the trip? — One hour.
Checking
- Sorry, did you say fifteen or fifty?
- So the bus leaves at 7:40, right?
Dialogue 1: At the Bus Stop
Karim: Excuse me, does this bus go to the hospital? Woman: Yes, the number 9 goes there. Karim: Great. When is the next one? Woman: Let me look... It comes every twenty minutes. The next one is at 10:15. Karim: And what time is it now? Woman: It's ten o'clock. Karim: Thank you! How long does it take to the hospital? Woman: About half an hour.
Dialogue 2: Calling a Library
Library: Central Library, how can I help you? Julia: Hi. What time do you open tomorrow? Library: We open at 9:30. Julia: And when do you close? Library: At 8 p.m. Julia: Sorry, did you say 8 or 6? Library: Eight. Eight p.m. Julia: OK, thank you!
Tips
- Numbers that sound similar: thirteen / thirty, fourteen / forty, fifteen / fifty. In -teen numbers, the stress is at the end (thirTEEN); in -ty numbers, it's at the start (THIRty).
- a.m. = morning (before 12 noon). p.m. = afternoon and evening.
- Many bus companies have an app — but asking a person is great speaking practice!
Common Mistakes
- "What time is?" → What time is it?
- "The shop opens in nine o'clock." → The shop opens at nine o'clock.
- "From 10 until to 5." → From 10 to 5 / from 10 until 5.
- "How long it takes?" → How long does it take?
Your Turn: Practise Speaking
- Look at a clock and say the time out loud five times today.
- Ask about your local supermarket: What time does it open? When does it close?
- Practise Dialogue 1 with your own bus number and place.