12 hour times or 24 hour times?

[Skaperen]

when i went to (the) hospital a while back i noticed medium sized red digital clocks about every 10m to 25m. they were in 24 hour format. in each room was an old style rotating 2 hand clock with 12 hours. all medical records are filled out in 24 hour format. i talked for a while with one nurse and he said everyone has to learn or know 24 hour time before they can work there and that the "round clocks" are for patients.

[guiverc]

Shaperen asked with "1:30" should it sleep for 3.5 hours or 15.5 hours

My guess is the 3.5 would make more sense to most users.

I personally prefer 24hr, but most aussies use 12hr with am/pm, or when not specified, it's usually taken as being the next time that occurs though circumstances will dictate, ie. 1:30 said at 10:30pm/22:30 at night would be understood as 01:30/1:30am. In most work environments you'd hear 1.30 tomorrow and it'd be assumed you mean business hours (ie. 13:30/1:30pm for most).

I don't think there is a right answer though - I suggest using throwing a coin - heads?

[mastablasta]

is there some easy way to tell if the user's culture/preference is to use 12 hour time expressions or 24 hour time expressions?

nope.

we use 24h for all official stuff. let's say in formal language, formal conversation, opening hours, meeting appointments, tv schedule...

and we use 12h format in informal conversation (among friends, colleagues...). to add to confusion we never add AM/PM or morning/afternoon when we talk in 12h. so question such as "when you say see you at 7, you mean 19:00, right?" are not uncommon.

kids need to learn analog clock.

[dennis9516]

Never had any problems with understanding in any country using 24 hours

[mastablasta]

Never had any problems with understanding in any country using 24 hours

"see you at 10, bye."

now figure it out if it's 10 am or pm.

[uRock]

"see you at 10, bye."

now figure it out if it's 10 am or pm.

It'd have to be 10am, as I am in bed by 10pm.

[twily2018]

It just depends on where you live. I actually use both here.

[Skaperen]

i live in my home so i use 24 hour time.

[Tadaen_Sylvermane]

I'm equally comfortable with both. That being said I personally prefer 24h time, makes more sense. However the family doesn't so we don't use it in the home or on any devices we own.

[cruzer001]

24 hour clock is no good. I tried it once and was still late to work.