what time

• Locution déterminative interrogative servant à demander un moment précis sur l'horloge, un instant planifié ou une occasion. Note : 'what time' est composé du déterminant interrogatif 'what' et du nom 'time' ; lorsqu'elle sert à demander des points temporels, elle fonctionne comme une locution déterminative complexe.

An interrogative determiner phrase used to ask about specific clock time, scheduled moment, or occasion. Note: 'What time' is a phrase consisting of the interrogative determiner 'what' + the noun 'time'. When used to inquire about temporal points, it functions as a complex determiner phrase modifying implicit or explicit temporal nouns. This entry focuses on its determiner-like usage with nominal complements.

1. Interrogative determiner (clock time)A1formal

   Used to ask about the specific hour and minute on a clock or watch when an event occurs, has occurred, or will occur.

   déterminant interrogatif (heure)

   • What time does the meeting start?
   • What time did the train arrive?
   • What time should I pick you up?

2. Interrogative determiner (scheduled occasion)A2formal

   Used to inquire about the designated or planned temporal point for an event, appointment, or activity within a schedule or timetable.

   à quelle heure

   • What time is your flight scheduled for?
   • What time does the store close on Sundays?
   • What time are we supposed to arrive?

3. Adverbial usage (standalone time inquiry)A1informal

   Used without a following noun to ask about time directly. The noun 'time' functions as the head of the phrase. (Note: This is the most common usage, included for completeness).

   à quelle heure

   • What time is it?
   • What time do you usually wake up?
   • What time did they leave?

4. Indirect question usageB1formal

   Used to introduce a noun clause that reports a question about time, functioning as the object of verbs like 'know', 'ask', 'wonder', 'tell'.

   à quelle heure (interrogation indirecte)

   • Do you know what time the concert ends?
   • I wonder what time she will call.
   • Can you tell me what time we need to be there?

5. Exclamatory or emphatic useB2informal

   Used in exclamations or rhetorical questions to express surprise, urgency, or emphasis regarding the lateness, earliness, or appropriateness of a time.

   heure à valeur exclamative

   • What time do you call this? It's midnight!
   • What time are we expected to wait until?
   • What time of day is best for this activity?