Meaning
To state what time it is.
Cultural Background
In the UK, asking 'Have you got the time?' is very common and polite. Americans often use 'Do you have the time?' even if they can see a clock nearby. Asking for the time is often done with 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me) to maintain social harmony.
Practice daily
Look at your watch and say the time out loud.
Don't use 'say'
Always use 'tell' for this specific phrase.
Meaning
To state what time it is.
Practice daily
Look at your watch and say the time out loud.
Don't use 'say'
Always use 'tell' for this specific phrase.
Use 'could you'
It makes your request much more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
Can you _____ the time?
'Tell' is the correct collocation for reading time.
Which sentence is more polite?
Choose the best option.
Adding 'could you' makes the request polite.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Tell the time
It means to read a clock.
Complete the conversation.
A: Excuse me, _____? B: It's 5:00.
This is the standard way to ask.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCan you _____ the time?
'Tell' is the correct collocation for reading time.
Choose the best option.
Adding 'could you' makes the request polite.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It means to read a clock.
A: Excuse me, _____? B: It's 5:00.
This is the standard way to ask.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, that sounds unnatural. Use 'tell the time'.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
Both work, but 'tell' is the standard idiom.
Yes, but we usually say 'check the time' for digital.
Yes, if you are asking about the schedule.
No, it is a collocation.
Related Phrases
Check the time
similarTo look at a clock/phone.
What time is it?
similarDirect question.
Keep time
contrastTo stay on schedule.
