Typing the time
Typing the time
I've seen a lot on TV, webpages, and in documents in general (minutes etc) where the time is noted as, for example, 9.30am instead of 9:30am.
I have to admit I am confused as to why a full stop is being used instead of a colon as this is a more accurate reflection of the time. After all, on all devices that show the time digitally (alarm clocks, computers, ovens etc), it always has the : separating the hour from the minutes.
Would it not be more accurate to type the time in this way or is there a specific reason why .'s are used? Perhaps I have missed something but to me it appears lazy!
I would love some discussion on this topic - please contribute if you know the answer or have an opinion :)
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Time display
I prefer 24 hour clock 0600 or 1800 and it's fine to have no colon/full stop separating the digits
Typing the time
I guess it's like a lot of things. The more you see it, the more you think that's the correct way to write it. We've got a Style Guide at work so will see tomorrow what wisdom it can impart.
Typing the Time
So, I 'googled' it :)
ISO 8601 always uses a colon, never a full stop. In fact no where did I see a full stop used - interesting!
Typing the time
I have made one of our members aware of this blog post and am sure she will respond - her expertise will, I am sure, clarify everything!
Typing the time
Here is one pointer, according to Write Edit Print, Style Manual for Aotearoa New Zealand:
10.59 The abbreviations a.m. and p.m. are generally written with full stops and are always in lower case (except in a line of capitals or small capitals). For example:
9.15 a.m.
4.35 p.m.
but [REF. AA:A 746, 21.6.1960 9.22. A.M.]
10.60 Figures are always used with these abbreviations, and a full stop is used to separate the hours from the minutes. (A colon instead of a full stop is sometimes used, but this style is not recommended.) Two zeros are used to indicate even hours - 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Do they give any reason why
Do they give any reason why they do not recommend a colon? This is the part that confuses me; surely there must be a good reason to not reflect the time accurately?
Do they give any reason why
Sorry, none given.