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Does anyone know why people answer the question of what time it is by saying "it's ten of eight" (if it's 7:50) or "it's quarter of eight" (if it's 7:45)? Canadians and Brits tend to say that it's "ten to", or "quarter to". I recently had a guest from Armenia who asked why we say "of" instead of "to" and I couldn't come up with any explanation.
While we're at it, is saying "ten of" a US-wide usage or is it regional? (I'm in New England.)
Dick said:
You can see a discussion of this subject here:
"https://waywordradio.org/discussion/topics/why-do-auctioneers-talk-so-fast-full-episode/?value=quarter%20of&type=1&include=1&search=1&ret=all"
You will have to cut and paste this without the quotes. I have a hard time making links.
Here is the link.
Texas, I hear mostly the 'of' form. Some 'til'.
'Of' could be eggcorn from '10 off 8' or short for '10 off of 8' . Don't know.
Now the 'to' seems only used in the short form '10 to' period just like that (same as your Canadian, Brit).
Never hear that short form with 'of' or 'til'.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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