How to Use "Around 3 p.m." in English: A Guide for ESL Learners

Are you unsure how to talk about approximate times in English? Using phrases like "around 3 p.m." correctly can make your speech sound more natural and improve your fluency in English. This simple adverbial phrase is incredibly common, but it's important to understand how it works. In this guide, we will break down its meaning, grammar, and usage with clear examples. Let’s learn how to use "around 3 p.m." like a native speaker!

Table of Contents

• What Does “Around 3 p.m.” Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “Around 3 p.m.”?
• Example Sentences with “Around 3 p.m.”
• When and How to Use “Around 3 p.m.”
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does “Around 3 p.m.” Mean?

The phrase “around 3 p.m.” means approximately at or near the time of three o'clock in the afternoon. It tells you that an event will not happen at exactly 3:00 p.m., but a little before or a little after.

This phrase functions as a verb modifier in your sentence structure. It adds information about when an action happens, giving a general timeframe instead of a precise moment. It's perfect for situations where you don't know the exact time or when being precise isn't necessary.

More: Mastering 'Before the Test': A Grammar Guide for English Learners

What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “Around 3 p.m.”?

"Around 3 p.m." is an adverbial phrase of time. Its job is to answer the question "When?". Adverbial phrases of time are essential for describing schedules, making plans, and telling stories.

Let's look at its simple grammar structure:

• Preposition:around (This word indicates approximation).
• Noun Phrase:3 p.m. (This is the specific time being approximated).

This phrase is flexible and can be placed in different parts of a sentence, though it's most common at the end.

• End of sentence (most common): Subject + Verb + Object + [around 3 p.m.].
  • We will finish the project around 3 p.m.
• Beginning of sentence (for emphasis): [Around 3 p.m.], Subject + Verb + Object.
  • Around 3 p.m., the delivery should arrive.

More: Mastering 'Within Two Weeks': A Simple Grammar Guide

Example Sentences with “Around 3 p.m.”

Seeing this phrase in context is the best way to learn. Here are some natural sentence examples to help you understand its use.

• The bus is scheduled to depart around 3 p.m., so we should get to the station by 2:45 p.m.
• I usually get tired around 3 p.m. and need a coffee to stay focused.

Here is a short dialogue:

• Person A: Do you know when the movie starts?
• Person B: I think it starts around 3 p.m., but let me check the ticket.

More: Mastering In the Meantime: Grammar Guide for English Learners

When and How to Use “Around 3 p.m.”

You can use "around 3 p.m." in almost any situation, from informal conversations with friends to more formal business emails. It's a versatile phrase for everyday English grammar help.

Common Variations

• About 3 p.m.: This is a very common synonym for "around 3 p.m." and can be used interchangeably. Example: "The train leaves about 3 p.m."
• Approximately 3 p.m.: This is a more formal alternative, often used in writing, reports, or official announcements. Example: "The maintenance will conclude at approximately 3 p.m."

Common Mistakes

One common point of confusion is whether to use "at around 3 p.m.". While you will hear native speakers say this in casual conversation, it is technically redundant. The word "around" already means "near" or "approximately." According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "around" can mean "approximately at a particular time." So, for formal ESL writing tips, it's best to choose one preposition: around 3 p.m. or at 3 p.m., but not both.

Summary and Practice Tip

To summarize, "around 3 p.m." is a simple yet powerful adverbial phrase of time. It helps you talk about approximate times, making your English sound more flexible and natural. Remember, it answers the question "When?" and usually goes at the end of a sentence.

Now it's your turn to practice! How will you use this phrase today? Try writing your own sentence using "around 3 p.m." in the comments below. For more English grammar help, check out our other articles on adverbial phrases!