to see what the time/clock is/what time it is

[Topstudent]

I'm writing a script:

LATER: John wakes, half-lying on the couch. He sits up and looks around. It's still dark outside. He pulls out his phone to see what the time/clock is/what the time is. It's 2:37. He must have dozed off.

What is the most natural way to phrase this?

 

[SoothingDave]

..."to see what time it is."

 

[Skrej]

Of your original three, only the last one is possible. However, Dave's suggestion is a much more natural way of expressing it.

Another natural option would be 'to check the time'.

 

[jutfrank]

to see what time it is
to see what the time is

I'd say they're equally natural.

I like Skrej's suggestion for this context: to check the time