Words / A1

KWORT-uh/ˈkwɔːtə/

A quarter is fifteen minutes on the clock: quarter past nine is 9.15; quarter to ten is 9.45. A quarter is also one of four equal parts: a quarter of the cake. Half is two quarters. Do not say a quarter past of nine. In British English we often say quarter past, not a quarter after.

Meaning

Fifteen minutes; also one of four equal parts.

Examples

• “The train leaves at quarter past nine.”
• “Meet me at quarter to eight.”
• “Cut the sandwich into quarters.”

Good to know

quarter past / quarter to + hour. Also: a quarter of + noun. Contrast: half.

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