1 Part of Speech, Meaning, and Example Sentences
- Part of speech: fixed time phrase (prepositional phrase)
- Meaning: alas dose – twelve o’clock (12:00); literally “at twelve” using the Spanish-based clock format
Example sentences
- Mag-lunch ta alas dose. – Let us have lunch at twelve o’clock.
- Nisugod ang klase alas dose sa udto. – The class started at twelve noon.
- Moabot ko alas dose sa gabii. – I will arrive at twelve midnight.
2 Points to Keep in Mind
- alas + Spanish numeral gives exact hour; for 12:00 use alas dose.
- Pair with parts of the day if needed: alas dose sa udto (12 p.m.), alas dose sa gabii (12 a.m.).
- Do not combine alas with native Cebuano numbers (alas napulo ug duha is wrong).
- Keep the time phrase close to the verb so the listener immediately understands when the action happens.
- Use tunga na sa alas dose (“half past twelve”) for 12:30 if necessary.
3 Common Collocations
- alas dose sa udto – 12 p.m. (noon)
- alas dose sa gabii – 12 a.m. (midnight)
- tunga na sa alas dose – half past twelve
- sakto alas dose – exactly twelve
- alas dose imedya – 12:30
4 Typical Sentence Position
- After the main verb: Mo-break ko alas dose.
- At the start for emphasis: Alas dose mi gitawagan.
- Inside a time clause: Human alas dose, nag-pahulay mi.
5 Frequently Used Conversational Phrases
- Libre ka ba alas dose? – Are you free at twelve?
- Ayaw kalimti ang meeting alas dose sa udto. – Don’t forget the noon meeting at twelve.
- Mangaon ta alas dose sa kantina. – Let’s eat at twelve in the canteen.
- Mag-clock out ko sakto alas dose. – I’ll clock out exactly at twelve.
- Dili ko ganahan mouli alas dose sa gabii. – I don’t like going home at midnight.
6 Five Conversation Exchanges
- A: Kanus-a ta mokaon?
B: Alas dose ta mokaon para dili gutom kaayo.
A: When shall we eat? / B: Let’s eat at twelve so we’re not too hungry. - A: Unsa orasa ka mo-abot?
B: Mo-abot ko alas dose sa udto.
A: What time will you arrive? / B: I’ll arrive at noon. - A: Naa kay appointment karon?
B: Oo, alas dose ko adto sa doktor.
A: Do you have an appointment today? / B: Yes, I’m going to the doctor at twelve. - A: Makahuman ba ka sa report?
B: Mahuman ko sakto alas dose.
A: Can you finish the report? / B: I’ll finish exactly at twelve. - A: Dili ba ka tugnawon kung mouli alas dose sa gabii?
B: Medyo, pero madala ra.
A: Don’t you feel cold going home at midnight? / B: A bit, but it’s manageable.
7 Multiple-Choice Dialogue Questions
Q1. Unsa imong buhaton alas dose?
A. Alas dose buhaton nako ang lista.
B. Buhaton nako alas dose ang lista.
C. Nako alas dose buhaton ang lista.
Q2. Mo-adto ba ka alas dose sa opisina?
A. Alas dose mo-adto ko sa opisina.
B. Mo-adto ko alas dose sa opisina.
C. Sa opisina alas dose ko mo-adto.
Q3. Magsugod ba ang klase alas dose?
A. Magsugod alas dose ang klase.
B. Ang klase alas dose magsugod.
C. Alas dose magsugod ang klase.
Q4. Libre ba siya alas dose sa udto?
A. Libre siya alas dose sa udto.
B. Alas dose sa udto libre siya.
C. Siya libre alas dose sa udto.
Q5. Mahuman ba nimo ang trabaho alas dose?
A. Mahuman nimo alas dose ang trabaho.
B. Alas dose mahuman nimo ang trabaho.
C. Ang trabaho mahuman nimo alas dose.
Answer Key
Q1 – B
Explanation: Verb phrase “Buhaton nako” + time phrase “alas dose” + object is the clear, natural order.
Q2 – B
Explanation: Predicate “Mo-adto ko” directly followed by time phrase and destination; the others place elements awkwardly.
Q3 – A
Explanation: Verb “Magsugod” followed by time phrase then subject keeps the flow smooth.
Q4 – A
Explanation: Predicate “Libre siya” first, then exact time phrase; alternatives invert subject and time unnaturally.
Q5 – C
Explanation: Subject + verb phrase, then time phrase “alas dose” gives a straightforward affirmative sentence; other options split subject/object or time.
