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How to write the time
Answer
Question
A reader recently asked whether to write “noon” or “12:00 pm” or “12 Noon” on an agenda for a meeting.
Answer
The short answer is that although there is nothing wrong with “noon,” I recommend using “12:00 pm,” for the sake of clarity and consistency. The other times listed on your agenda will presumably be written with numbers followed by “am” or “pm” (9:00 am, 10:15 am, 1:30 pm, etc.), and it will be easier to understand if “12:00 pm” is written the same way, especially on an agenda that includes a beginning and an end time for each item, as in this example:
10:45 am – 12:00 pm Presentation on new business development
On the general subject of how to write times, there are lots of other variables that confuse people. For example, all of the following are acceptable ways to write 11:30 in the morning:
- 11:30 am
- 11:30 AM
- 11:30 A.M.
- 11:30 a.m.
- 11:30am
In addition, when writing the times 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, etc., it is perfectly acceptable to omit the zeroes and write 1 pm, 2 pm, instead.
Finally, note that while in the US we use a 12-hour clock, some countries use a 24-hour clock, or military time. Therefore, one hour past noon is 1:00 pm on a 12-hour clock, but 13:00 using a 24-hour clock.
I hope this helps.
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You can read more articles in the archive.
When it comes to writing time, clarity and consistency are key. I've got quite a bit of experience in this area, so let's dive into the concepts touched upon in the article you provided.
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Writing "Noon" vs. "12:00 pm": While both "noon" and "12:00 pm" are acceptable, the recommendation in the article for using "12:00 pm" on an agenda aligns with the principle of consistency. It ensures that all times are presented uniformly, aiding comprehension.
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Variations in Writing Times: The article mentions various acceptable formats for indicating time, such as "11:30 am," "11:30 AM," "11:30 A.M.," "11:30 a.m.," and even "11:30am." This flexibility allows for personal preference and accommodates different style guides.
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Omitting Zeroes: Another point highlighted is the acceptability of omitting zeroes for times like "1:00 pm" or "2:00 pm," allowing for a simpler representation as "1 pm" or "2 pm."
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12-hour vs. 24-hour Clock: The article touches on the difference between the 12-hour clock used in the US and the 24-hour clock, also known as military time, used in some countries. It's crucial to understand this distinction to prevent confusion—12:00 pm signifies noon in the 12-hour clock, while 13:00 denotes the same time in the 24-hour clock.
Remembering these conventions ensures clear communication of time across various platforms and helps avoid ambiguity, especially in agendas, schedules, or formal documents where precision matters.
If you have any further questions about time formatting or related topics, feel free to ask—I'm here to help!
