Writing & StyleStyle guide

Time Ranges

Time-range formatting depends on context. Microsoft recommends “to” in running text and an unspaced en dash in many schedules, while Australian Government guidance varies en-dash spacing according to AM/PM and words such as noon or midnight.

Quick answer

For prose, write a time range with “to” when that matches the house style, such as “10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.” Schedules may use an en dash; spacing depends on the chosen style and the elements in the range.

Key details

Compact StyleMicrosoft and Australian guidance allow en dashes in schedules/display contexts with style-specific spacing
Core Issuepresentation of a start time and end time
Prose StyleMicrosoft uses “to” for time ranges in running text

Important caveats

Spacing Boundary

En-dash spacing can change depending on whether AM/PM or words such as noon/midnight appear on both sides.

Further guidance

Prose Vs Display

Use words such as “to” in ordinary prose when the style calls for them; compact schedules can use an en dash.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Date and time terms — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft house style for AM/PM and human-facing time notation
  2. Dates and time — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Australian Government guidance for day–month–year dates, ordinal dates, decades, centuries, time zones, and en-dash spacing in date/time spans

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