Word Clock: Tell Time in Words Online
This word clock shows the time as a sentence lit up inside a grid of letters. Instead of digits you read "it is twenty to four" or "it is five past nine", rounded down to the last five minutes, while four small dots in the corners count the extra minutes. It updates every second from your device clock. Pick a theme, send it to full screen to use a spare tablet or monitor as a wall clock, or switch to manual mode and type any time to see how it is written in words. The sentence is also printed under the grid, which helps people learn to tell the time in English and read it aloud.
Word Clock
See the current time spelled out in lit words on a letter grid, like "it is half past three". Full screen, themes, or set any time.
How to use the Word Clock
- Open the page and the grid shows the current time.
- Pick a theme such as dark, light, neon or paper.
- Press Full screen to use it as a wall clock.
- Choose Manual and type a time to see how it is said in words.
Features
- Time spelled with lit letters on a 11 by 10 grid
- Five minute steps with four corner dots for the extra minutes
- Live mode or manual time
- Dark, light, neon and paper themes
- Full screen button
- The sentence is shown as text under the grid
Frequently asked questions
How does a word clock work?
It lights the letters that spell the time. Words like IT IS, a number of minutes, PAST or TO and the hour are placed in a letter grid, and the unused letters stay dim.
Why does it only change every five minutes?
The grid has words for five minute steps. The four dots in the corners show how many extra minutes have passed, from one to four.
What does "twenty five to" mean?
It means twenty five minutes before the next hour. At 3:35 the clock reads "it is twenty five to four".
Can I use it as a wall clock?
Yes. Press Full screen on a tablet, laptop or monitor. The clock uses your device time, so keep the device powered and the screen awake.
Can I see a time that is not now?
Switch the mode to Manual and enter any time. The grid and sentence update straight away, which is handy for practicing.