The time

[Unregistered]

Hello! What part of grammar is the word "o'clock"? Does it depend on how it is used?

Example sentences are:

She went to work at 9 o'clock.

Be there by 5:30PM.

[zeryphex]

Hello! What part of grammar is the word "o'clock"? Does it depend on how it is used?

Example sentences are:

She went to work at 9 o'clock.

Be there by 5:30PM.

Both sentences are fine.

http://m-w.com/dictionary/o'clock

The phrase "o'clock" is passed down from its origin in British English. It's usually used after whole numbers indicating time.

1 o'clock
4 o'clock
12 o'clock
and not
2:15 o'clock
6:59 o'clock

I think it's an English idiom moreso than anything having to do with English grammar. You can thank the British for developing the habit many centuries ago and passing it down to us. lol