Why is zero pronounced oh in telling time?

You're right to be curious! It seems counterintuitive that we say "oh" instead of "zero" when telling time. Here's why:

* Historical Origin: The practice likely stems from the use of "o'clock" which originally meant "of the clock". The "o" in "o'clock" sounded like "oh" and became associated with the zero hour.

* Clarity: Saying "oh" instead of "zero" helps to avoid confusion. Imagine saying "zero ten" instead of "ten oh ten" - it could be misheard as "ten-zero"!

* Tradition: The way we tell time has been ingrained in our language and culture for centuries. This pronunciation has stuck around due to habit and tradition.

Here's a fun fact: In some countries, like the UK, people use the word "nought" instead of "oh" when telling time.

So, while it may seem odd, saying "oh" is simply a linguistic quirk that developed over time to ensure clarity and maintain tradition.