Cool MateWhat time is it vs What's the time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
What time is it
Top 2,000 (common)
What's the time
Top 2,000 (common)
| What time is it | What's the time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //wɒt taɪm ɪz ɪt//🇺🇸 //wɑt taɪm ɪz ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //wɒts ðə taɪm//🇺🇸 //wɑts ðə taɪm// |
| Meaning | A phrase to ask the current hour and minute. | A way to ask for the current time. |
| Example | Excuse me, what time is it? | Excuse me, do you know **what's the time**? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | check the time, ask for time, tell the time | ask what's the time, tell what's the time, check what's the time |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'is' and saying 'What time it?', Using with 'when' instead of 'is'., Translating directly from another language without adjusting verb structure. | Incorrectly using 'what's' in search of a specific time without context., Forgetting to include 'the' before 'time'., Confusing 'what's the time' with 'what time is it?' |
| Usage notes | Used in both casual and formal settings. Commonly asked when needing to know the exact time. Avoid in very formal situations. | Used in everyday situations. Appropriate in both casual and semi-formal settings. Avoid in formal situations where specific time references might be expected. |
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Frequently asked questions: What time is it vs What's the time
What's the difference between What time is it and What's the time?
What time is it: A phrase to ask the current hour and minute. What's the time: A way to ask for the current time.
Can you show an example of each?
What time is it: Excuse me, what time is it? What's the time: Excuse me, do you know **what's the time**?
Can I use What time is it and What's the time interchangeably?
Not always. What time is it and What's the time are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.