and the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to time or a specific clock, often in a descriptive or narrative manner. Example: "She glanced at the wall, and the clock showed it was almost midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the clock is ticking.

The New York Times

And the clock keeps ticking.

The New York Times

And the clock showed Tuesday morning.

The New York Times - Sports

And the clock – and the Irish – won.

Independent

And the clock always ticks.

The New York Times

It was 7 15 a.m., and the clock was ticking.

The New York Times

His breathing was shallow, and the clock was ticking.

The New Yorker

He's lost valuable transition time and the clock is ticking.

The New York Times

"I'm 71 and the clock is ticking," he said.

The New York Times

And the Clock Tower may yet outprice One Brooklyn Bridge.

The New York Times

"It is prevention, and the clock is ticking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and the clock" to create a sense of urgency or highlight the importance of time in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "and the clock" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler expressions of time would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and the clock" functions as a conjunction phrase, often used to connect a preceding statement with the concept of time or a deadline. It adds emphasis to the element of time in a given situation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Tech

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "and the clock" functions as a conjunction phrase used to emphasize the importance of time or impending deadlines. It is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and frequently appears in news, sports, and technology contexts. While versatile, it is best used to inject urgency into a situation without being overused in extremely informal settings. Numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, illustrate its widespread use. As a final note, "and the clock" serves as a powerful tool for writers aiming to underline the temporal constraints of their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is running out

Focuses on the depletion of available time.

the deadline is approaching

Highlights the imminence of a final submission or completion date.

the countdown is on

Emphasizes the start of a time-sensitive process.

every second counts

Stresses the importance of utilizing time efficiently.

the hour is late

Implies that there is little time left.

time is of the essence

Indicates that time is a critical factor.

the sands of time are running out

A more poetic way to express the passing of time and the need for urgency.

the window is closing

Highlights the diminishing opportunity for action.

the eleventh hour

Refers to the last possible moment.

the moment of truth is near

Emphasizes the anticipation of a critical event or decision.

FAQs

How can "and the clock" be used in a sentence?

Use "and the clock" to emphasize the passage of time or to highlight the pressure of a deadline. For example, "The negotiations continued, and the clock ticked relentlessly."

What are some alternatives to "and the clock"?

Alternatives include phrases like "time is running out", "the deadline is approaching", or "every second counts" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "and the clock is ticking" in formal writing?

Yes, "and the clock is ticking" is acceptable in formal writing to convey a sense of urgency or time sensitivity, especially in news reports, business documents, and academic papers.

What is the difference between "and the clock" and "time's up"?

"And the clock" typically refers to the ongoing passage of time and the pressure it creates. "Time's up", on the other hand, indicates that the allotted time has expired.