around the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when referring to something that is taking place continuously, or without a break. For example: "The rescue workers worked around the clock to find the missing hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(See "Rock Around the Clock," from 1956).

The New Yorker

AROUND THE CLOCK iPhone/iPad – £1.49.

The Guardian - Tech

"Rock Around the Clock".

The New Yorker

Crews worked around the clock.

The New York Times

"You're working around the clock.

The New York Times

Celebrity sightings around the clock.

The New York Times

Staff are on hand around the clock.

Independent

They took samples around the clock.

The New Yorker

"He was working around the clock.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Around that time, Dom began needing around-the-clock care.

The New York Times - Sports

Most importantly, they have around-the-clock surgical availability.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing services or operations, use "around the clock" to clearly communicate 24/7 availability, emphasizing continuous support or access.

Common error

Avoid using "around the clock" in contexts where continuous action is not literally true. For instance, saying "I think about it around the clock" might be an overstatement if you are not literally thinking about it every moment of the day.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the clock" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate that an action occurs continuously. Ludwig examples show it describes activities such as working, providing care, or reviewing videos, highlighting their ongoing nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "around the clock" is a common expression that signifies continuous activity or availability, operating 24 hours a day. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "day and night" and "24/7" exist, "around the clock" effectively communicates the uninterrupted nature of an action. This phrase is versatile, but should be used accurately to reflect genuinely continuous activities, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

day and night

Focuses on the temporal aspect of continuous activity, highlighting both day and night periods.

24/7

A more modern and concise way to express continuous availability or operation.

around-the-clock

Functions as an adjective to describe something that is available or happening continuously.

continuously

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of an action or state.

non-stop

Indicates an activity without pauses or interruptions.

constantly

Stresses the regular and habitual nature of an action.

without a break

Directly conveys the idea of an uninterrupted action.

incessantly

Highlights the relentlessness and persistence of an activity.

perpetually

Implies an ongoing or never-ending state.

ceaselessly

Underscores the absence of any cessation or break.

FAQs

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

You can use "around the clock" to describe continuous activities, like "The hospital provides care "around the clock"" or "They worked "around the clock" to meet the deadline".

What does "around the clock" mean?

"Around the clock" means continuously, 24 hours a day, or without stopping. It's used to describe something that happens all the time.

Which is more common, "around the clock" or "24/7"?

Both "around the clock" and "24/7" are common, but "24/7" is a more modern and concise way to express the same meaning. Choose based on the desired tone and audience.

What are some alternatives to using "around the clock"?

Alternatives to "around the clock" include "day and night", "continuously", or "non-stop", depending on the specific context.