a fixed clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed clock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a clock that is set to a specific time and does not change, often used in discussions about timekeeping or technology. Example: "The museum has a fixed clock that has not been adjusted since the 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Previous estimates, using mitochondrial data and a fixed clock, implied a divergence time of 1 2 million years between the species (approximately 3% mtDNA divergence, [ 13]).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Estimated by Bayesian inference using the GTR + Γ model and a fixed clock rate of 0.0105 per lineage/million years, and a coalescent expansion growth model (All samples) or birth-death model (Major clades).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In the analyses with a fixed clock rate of 2.1% per million years (MY) the mean age of the split between clades A/B and C is inferred to be 2.5 or 3.0 MY, i.e. in the early Pleistocene or late Pliocene, respectively, and between clades A and B 1.9 or 2.3 MY, i.e. in the early Pleistocene (Table 2, Figs. 2, 5).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A fixed clock phase shift could ensure the timing of the bus clock transition to the data stability time.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

We used a fixed clock of 0.194% per million years for the RAG2 sequences [ 52].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Most FPGA designs run at a fixed clock-frequency determined through static analysis in FPGA vendor supplied tools.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

But in Nomon, once the target is located visually, the user is free (without suffering a performance penalty) to focus on selecting a single, fixed clock.

Plosone

Xml files for analysis in BEAST were generated in BEAUti version 1.5.2 [ 89] using a GTR+Γ model and fixed clock rate of 0.0105 (corresponding to 1.05%/MY/lineage: [ 60]).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Resting endothelial function obtained in a fasting state and during fixed clock hours, is reflective of the early perturbation caused by adverse cardiometabolic factors.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Using fixed clock estimates, Groups (1+2) and (3+4) diverged from a common ancestor 2.5- 6.1 MYBP during land bridge formation which ended ~3 MYBP [ 1] and a similar estimate was recovered from the RAG2 region.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We employed fixed clock estimates of 2% and 5% to exploit the upper and lower calibration points commonly used for bat divergence time calculations in mammal mtDNA.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixed clock" in technical writing, define the specific time or standard to which the clock is fixed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed clock" when you mean "a broken clock" or "a clock that needs repair". The phrase implies intentional immobility, not malfunction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a fixed clock" is as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It modifies the noun "clock" with the adjective "fixed", indicating a state of being unchanging. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is often employed in technical and scientific writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fixed clock" is grammatically correct but infrequent. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes a clock intentionally set to a particular time or rate, remaining constant. Predominantly used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in evolutionary biology and engineering. When using this term, it is essential to ensure clarity in defining the specific time or rate to which the clock is set. Considering the alternative phrases can further refine your message, emphasizing immobility, unchanging setting, or synchronization. The phrase should not be confused with scenarios where a clock is broken or malfunctioning. The phrase has a formal tone, primarily stemming from its frequent use in scientific and technical literature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stationary clock

Emphasizes the immobility or unchanging nature of the clock's setting.

a non-adjustable clock

Highlights the inability to change the clock's time.

a constant clock

Focuses on the consistent and unwavering time display.

a clock with a fixed setting

More explicitly states that the setting of the clock is permanent.

a clock at a set time

Describes a clock that displays a specific, predetermined time.

a synchronized clock

Implies that the clock's time is aligned with a standard or reference.

a time-locked clock

Suggests the clock's time is immutably linked to a particular event or state.

a read-only clock

Analogous to computing, where the time cannot be altered.

a fixed-rate clock

Refers to a clock used in scientific contexts with a constant rate.

a calibrated clock

Suggests the clock is accurately set and maintained to a standard.

FAQs

How is "a fixed clock" used in scientific contexts?

In scientific papers, "a fixed clock" often refers to a molecular clock with "a fixed rate" used in evolutionary biology to estimate divergence times between species.

What is the difference between "a fixed clock" and "a synchronized clock"?

"A fixed clock" implies that the clock is set to a specific time and does not change, while "a synchronized clock" suggests that the clock's time is aligned with a standard reference or another clock.

In what scenarios is it appropriate to use the term "a fixed clock"?

Use "a fixed clock" when describing a clock whose time is intentionally kept constant, such as in discussions of timekeeping mechanisms, technical systems with "a fixed timing", or evolutionary biology using a molecular clock.

What are some alternative ways to describe a clock that is not changing?

Instead of "a fixed clock", you could use phrases like "a stationary clock", "a constant clock", or "a non-adjustable clock" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.