E-TIDBIT OF THE DAY: 24/7

24/7 is a very popular expression in the USA. Shortening things is popular, for example, from proper names to nicknames like: Robert-Bobby-Bob, Elizabeth-Lisa, Rudolph-Rudy, Deborah-Debbie-Deb, etc. Not too long ago someone had the idea to shorten "24 hours, 7 days a week" to "24/7". 

Then someone added the number of days in one year - 365 - (with the exception of a leap* year, which has 366 when February has 29 days). 

We used to say "That restaurant is open around the clock" or "That restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week". Some people may still say this. But, 24/7 has pretty well replaced these longer phrases.

So, you could say things like:

• Wow! You work 24/7! You must be a workaholic!
• That restaurant is open 24/7.
• The saw mill is running 24/7/365!
• She would talk 24/7 as long as someone is listening.

Now, when said orally, you should hear this:

• Wow! You work twenty-four seven! You must be a workaholic.
• That restaurant is open twenty-four seven.
• The saw mill is running twenty-four seven three sixty-five!**
• She would talk twenty-four seven as long as someone is listening.

So, this gives you an idea how and when you use the expression 24/7 or 24/7/365.

You are on your way to speaking impressive American English!

*The Leap year usually happens every 4 years according to the Gregorian Calendar.

** You would say twenty-four seven three sixty-five, instead of twenty-four seven three hundred and sixty-five.