Against the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Against the clock" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a situation where someone is racing to complete a task before a deadline. Example: "She was working against the clock to finish the project on time." Alternative expressions include "racing against time" and "in a time crunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a race against the clock.

The New York Times - Food

Quade is managing against the clock.

The New York Times

She was working against the clock.

The New York Times

We raced against the clock.

The New York Times - Style

A race against the clock!

The Guardian - Film

It's you against the clock".

The Guardian - Tech

It's a race against the clock..."....

The New Yorker

The recording was against the clock.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a race against the clock".

The New Yorker

It left England, more than ever, against the clock.

Independent

It contains several types of puzzles, all against the clock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "against the clock" to add urgency and tension to your writing, emphasizing the importance of meeting a deadline or completing a task quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "against the clock" when the situation involves general competition without a strict time constraint; instead, use phrases like "competing fiercely" or "striving for victory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "against the clock" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action is performed, which is hurried or time-constrained. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across varied sentences. It describes the condition under which an action occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "against the clock" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to convey urgency and time pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequency in various contexts, particularly in news and media. This guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, and common errors to avoid. When time is of the essence, using "against the clock" effectively communicates the need for swift action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a race against time

Emphasizes the competitive nature of completing something quickly.

under time pressure

Highlights the stress and constraints imposed by a limited timeframe.

with a tight deadline

Focuses on the impending deadline and the need to act swiftly.

pressed for time

Indicates a scarcity of available time to complete a task.

running out of time

Suggests that the available time is almost completely exhausted.

in a time crunch

Implies a situation where time is severely limited and action is urgent.

up against it

Indicates facing significant challenges, with time being a major factor.

working to a deadline

Focuses on the act of trying to meet a specific deadline.

racing to finish

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of trying to complete something.

fighting the sands of time

A more figurative expression highlighting the struggle against the relentless passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "against the clock" in a sentence?

You can use "against the clock" to describe situations where someone is rushing to meet a deadline, such as: "The team was working "against the clock" to finish the project before the end of the day."

What is a synonym for "against the clock"?

A synonym for "against the clock" is "in a race against time", both expressing the need to complete something quickly due to a time constraint.

Is it correct to say "compete against the clock"?

Yes, "compete against the clock" is correct. It means that you're trying to achieve something as fast as possible, with time being the main challenge. For example, "Skiers compete "against the clock" in timed races."

What's the difference between "against the clock" and "under pressure"?

"Against the clock" specifically implies a race to meet a deadline. "Under pressure" is a broader term that can refer to stress from various sources, not just time constraints.