Tell time

[jasonlulu_2000]

A watch can tell time correctly.
A child can tell time correctly at a young age.
Are both 'tell time' naturally used?
Thanks!
Jason

 

[Rover_KE]

More natural would be 'tell the time'.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Tell time" is incorrect. As Rover said, we use "tell the time" (in BrE).

 

[jasonlulu_2000]

Thank you!
So if changed into "tell the time", both sentences are acceptable.

Is that so?

Thanks again!

Jason

 

[Rover_KE]

They would be grammatically correct.

 

[Barb_D]

This is one of those things that you you say a bunch of times both ways until neither sounds right, but I think in the US, we would say "Jimmy has learned to tell time."

 

[emsr2d2]

This is one of those things that you you say a bunch of times both ways until neither sounds right, but I think in the US, we would say "Jimmy has learned to tell time."

In that case, there is a definite AmE/BrE difference. That sentence, in BrE, has an article missing. Jimmy has learned to tell the time.