Thank you very much, this would be really useful.
What ist your opinion about leaving 24 h format?

Michael Müller

Hi Michael,

I suspect that Paul probably has to remain impartial on this as it could be considered a matter of opinion and/or context.

I am British, 62 and a linguistic perfectionist. I use the English language eloquently and accurately. I enjoy using the 24h format. Indeed, I prefer it to a.m. and p.m. because there is no misinterpretation likely when one says 19:00 as opposed to seven o'clock, which could be morning or evening.

Surprisingly, my 32-year-old daughter doesn't always understand me when I use the 24h clock to let her know when we will be doing something. This does not change my opinion that in the UK it is totally acceptable. Indeed, we see it everywhere. At airports, train stations and on bus timetables our journeys are always defined by the 24h clock.

Therefore my answer to your question is YES, an indication in the 24h clock is acceptable - especially as Lisbon time would, I'm sure, be indicated thus.

All the best,

Ali

Michael Müller

Hi Michael,

I suspect that Paul probably has to remain impartial on this as it could be considered a matter of opinion and/or context.

I am British, 62 and a linguistic perfectionist. I use the English language eloquently and accurately. I enjoy using the 24h format. Indeed, I prefer it to a.m. and p.m. because there is no misinterpretation likely when one says 19:00 as opposed to seven o'clock, which could be morning or evening.

Surprisingly, my 32-year-old daughter doesn't always understand me when I use the 24h clock to let her know when we will be doing something. This does not change my opinion that in the UK it is totally acceptable. Indeed, we see it everywhere. At airports, train stations and on bus timetables our journeys are always defined by the 24h clock.

Therefore my answer to your question is YES, an indication in the 24h clock is acceptable - especially as Lisbon time would, I'm sure, be indicated thus.

All the best,

Ali

Alison Field

Alison Field said:

I suspect that Paul probably has to remain impartial on this as it could be considered a matter of opinion and/or context.

Well.... I'm nearly 60, and I use the English language colloquially ;-)  But I was in the military for a while and have a definite preference for the 24 hour clock.  So I'd go with that!

Thanks, both of you. This will make our next job much more easy.
Michael

Michael Müller

Hi Michael, 

I've just realised when I read that Paul said he speaks colloquially in response to my 'eloquently and accurately' that I sounded pompous... I meant in my professional context. We have a wonderful local dialect where I live and where my mother comes from in Scotland and they are a joy to speak and hear  

The 24 hour clock is just so much more logical when  precision is required so I never hesitate from using it in writing and it is used in all the English technical translations I handle.

Glad to help, as ever!

Ali 

Alison Field

Alison Field said:

I've just realised when I read that Paul said he speaks colloquially in response to my 'eloquently and accurately' that I sounded pompous.

I definitely didn't take it that way!!  And given we've chatted on and off over the years I am certain you're not!!  I mentioned colloquially because I really am not as eloquent as you!!

Of course, Paul my friend, I knew that... I was thinking about how others might read it heheh  

Thanks

PS: I meant I knew you didn't take it that way, not that you're less eloquent than me... which you're definitely not!

Thanks Ali... I'll just soak it all up :-)