It’s 2:30 pm Why this is wrong? Sorry but I got a little problem with a clock deux heures trente d'après’ midi

Jagoda D.B1Kwiziq community member

It’s 2:30 pm Why this is wrong? Sorry but I got a little problem with a clock deux heures trente d'après’ midi


Asked 3 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

It may simply be that d’après’midi (or even d’après-midi) is not correct as it should be de l’après-midi.

However, it could also be because you used ‘trente’ instead of “et demie”. This is a matter of usage - when using the 12 hour clock, it is traditional to use it in its standard manner, just as it is standard to use the 24 hour clock without saying quart/demie etc

This means using et quart, et demie, moins le quart when on the quarter hour. Also requires using the right form for minutes past or before the hour: for example “deux heures dix” or “deux heures moins dix”. 

And, from experience, you are likely to get a gentle correction in the form of having it repeated to you correctly if you don’t !

It’s 2:30 pm Why this is wrong? Sorry but I got a little problem with a clock deux heures trente d'après’ midi


Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Clever stuff happening!