What time is it?

Meaning: This is a way to ask someone what time it is.

Choice of Words: What is an interrogative pronoun that asks about a thing or information. Time is a noun that refers to the moment, hour, or period when something happens or is done. Is is a verb that expresses a state of being or existence. It is a pronoun that refers to something that has already been mentioned or is understood. When you put them together, "What time is it?" is a question asking about the current time.

Alternative Expressions

What is the time?

Meaning: This is a question asking for the current hour of the day. It's like saying, Can you tell me what hour it is right now?

Choice of Words: The word time refers to the moment or hour of the day. Is is a verb that describes the state of being. The is a definite article that specifies the time. When you put them together, "What is the time?" is a question asking for the current time.

Can you tell me the time?

Meaning: This is a polite question asking for the current hour of the day. It's like saying, Would you be able to tell me what hour it is right now?

Choice of Words: The word time refers to the moment or hour of the day. Can is a modal verb that expresses ability or permission. You is a pronoun that refers to the person being asked. Tell is a verb that means to speak or communicate. Me is a pronoun that refers to the person asking. When you put them together, "Can you tell me the time?" is a polite question asking for the current time.

Related Expressions