as regular as clockwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as regular as clockwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens consistently and predictably, often without fail. Example: "The train arrives at the station every morning at 8 AM, as regular as clockwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The genes turn on and off throughout the blood infection cycle in a smooth cascade as regular as clockwork.

The New York Times - Science

It has been there for over twenty years, with one instalment per Nintendo platform, as regular as clockwork.

The Guardian - Tech

They seemed unhurried, swimming steadily in a wide circle, emerging with a brief puff every few metres in a rhythm as regular as clockwork.

The Guardian

Needless to say, her pleasure is water-based — in the bath, every day, as regular as clockwork, with an egg timer placed nearby to hurry her along.

The New Yorker

Since then she has gone on to become a fixture of the French literary calendar, publishing one bestseller a year, as regular as clockwork.

The Guardian - Books

Almost as regular as clockwork, Owen's name lights up social media when he is in the box - and so it was when Manchester United hosted Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Cup.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Keep your schedule as regular as possible.

WikiHow

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

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

Brookner's 22nd novel arrives, regular as clockwork and twice as delicate.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as regular as clockwork" to emphasize the unwavering predictability of an event or action. This phrase adds a vivid image and reinforces the reliability aspect.

Common error

While "as regular as clockwork" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for a more neutral or precise term like "consistently" or "predictably" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as regular as clockwork" functions as a simile, comparing something to the consistent and predictable operation of a clock. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize reliability. Many examples on Ludwig show the phrase being used to describe recurring events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as regular as clockwork" is a simile used to describe events or actions that occur with unwavering predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common across various contexts, including news and media, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "consistently" or "predictably" in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its vivid comparison to the reliable ticking of a clock, emphasizing consistency and dependability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like clockwork

This alternative is more concise, omitting "as regular as" for a direct comparison to the consistent operation of a clock.

with clockwork precision

This alternative emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the action or event, adding a layer of detail about its execution.

on a regular basis

This alternative is more general, focusing on the recurring nature of the event without the implication of perfect timing.

consistently

This alternative is a single-word adverb, highlighting the unwavering nature of the event's occurrence.

predictably

This alternative emphasizes the expected nature of the event, suggesting it follows a known pattern.

without fail

This alternative stresses the reliability of the event, indicating it always happens as expected.

like a well-oiled machine

This alternative uses a different metaphor, focusing on efficiency and smooth operation rather than timing.

every time

This alternative emphasizes that an action occurs in each occasion.

invariably

This alternative highlights the unchangeable nature of the action or event

punctually

This alternative emphasizes timing as its primary characteristic.

FAQs

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

You can use "as regular as clockwork" to describe events that occur with unwavering predictability. For example, "The train arrives at the station every morning at 8 AM, as regular as clockwork".

What does "as regular as clockwork" mean?

The phrase "as regular as clockwork" means something happens very consistently and predictably, just like the reliable ticking of a clock.

Are there any formal alternatives to "as regular as clockwork"?

Yes, in formal contexts, you might prefer terms like "consistently", "predictably", or "invariably" rather than the more figurative "as regular as clockwork".

What's the difference between "like clockwork" and "as regular as clockwork"?

The phrase "like clockwork" is a shorter, more direct way of saying "as regular as clockwork". Both phrases mean something happens consistently and predictably, but "like clockwork" is often preferred for its brevity.