as clockwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as clockwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that happens reliably and predictably, like a well-functioning mechanism. Example: "The train arrives at the station every morning at 8 AM, as clockwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

As this is Switzerland, the movement of the gears is quiet and precise, almost as clockwork as the system of trams and buses that take you anywhere you fancy in this region of art and architecture that touches three countries.

The New York Times - Travel

What is as clockwork as the killings themselves was the attempt to obfuscate the details in order to relieve the officers of responsibility.

HuffPost

The animal would win, regular as clockwork.

The New Yorker

Regular as clockwork, he comes here.

The New York Times

Firstly, earthquakes don't happen as regularly as clockwork.

University of California, Berkeley

I have these pangs every day, regular as clockwork.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Rather, in regular-as-clockwork annual speeches, Mr. Obama has simply delayed or slowed troop withdrawals.

The New York Times

The soothing, dependable-as-clockwork South Shore sea breeze swept in, all deliciously chilled by the ocean, sweet balm for all.

The New York Times

Thomas de Quincey once remarked that Kant's regular-as-clockwork walks through Königsberg provided a concrete metaphor for his notoriously abstract, systematic philosophy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UK's fifth channel launched in 1997, but even after a few years of Kirsty Young-hosted news bulletins and regular-as-clockwork screenings of Steve McQueen's Bullitt, most viewers still weren't sure what Channel 5 was for, exactly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Democracy-as-clockwork. Things changed only this year, after President Ernesto Zedillo set up a new agency, the Federal Elections Institute, that spent almost $1 billion cleaning up the mechanisms of democracy in its Mexican guise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as clockwork" to emphasize the reliable and predictable nature of an event or process. For example, 'The delivery service operates as clockwork, ensuring packages arrive on time.'

Common error

Avoid using "as clockwork" when describing situations that are chaotic or unpredictable. This phrase implies a smooth, regular operation, so it's unsuitable for events characterized by irregularity or disorder.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as clockwork" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which something occurs. It emphasizes the regularity and predictability of the action. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as clockwork" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions or processes that occur with predictable regularity. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. With its neutral register, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively conveys reliability. Alternatives such as "like clockwork" and "regular as clockwork" offer similar meanings, while "with clockwork precision" adds a touch of formality. When using "as clockwork", ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of dependable consistency, avoiding its application in chaotic or unpredictable scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like clockwork

Uses 'like' instead of 'as' but retains the same meaning of predictable regularity.

with clockwork precision

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the action, adding a degree of formality.

regular as clockwork

Inverts the structure while keeping the core meaning of consistent timing.

predictably

A single word conveying the aspect of foreseeability and routine.

reliably

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the action.

like a well-oiled machine

Emphasizes efficiency and smooth operation, similar to a clock's mechanism.

without fail

Highlights the certainty and lack of exceptions in the action's occurrence.

on schedule

Indicates adherence to a planned timetable or sequence.

punctually

Stresses the action's alignment with a specific time or deadline.

with precision

Highlights accuracy and attention to detail in execution.

FAQs

How can I use "as clockwork" in a sentence?

Use "as clockwork" to describe something that happens regularly and predictably. For instance, "The train service runs "as clockwork", arriving and departing on time every day."

What are some alternatives to "as clockwork"?

Alternatives include "like clockwork", "regular as clockwork", or "with clockwork precision". These phrases all convey a sense of reliability and predictability.

Is it better to say "as clockwork" or "like clockwork"?

Both "as clockwork" and "like clockwork" are acceptable and convey the same meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Can "as clockwork" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as clockwork" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. While phrases like "with clockwork precision" may sound slightly more formal, "as clockwork" remains appropriate in most contexts.