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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

as reliable as clockwork
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He works his choice of hours but, according to his colleagues, he is "as reliable as clockwork".

News & Media

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Introspection is not as reliable as observation.

News & Media

The New Yorker

If only control was as reliable as build quality.

News & Media

The Guardian - Tech

– I'm not as reliable as I first suggested.

News & Media

The Guardian - Books

For years, the pattern here was as reliable as sunrise.

News & Media

The New York Times

"ALL women are as reliable as my bible!

News & Media

The Guardian

The lovable Brit is about as reliable as it gets.

News & Media

The Guardian - Film

My internet connection was about as reliable as Charles Kennedy.

News & Media

The Guardian

It's as reliable as she is.

News & Media

BBC

And, reliable as clockwork, where a sector undergoes technological disruption, we can expect to see a flurry of investment, dealmaking and M&A activity.

News & Media

Forbes

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

Academia

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as reliable as clockwork" when you want to emphasize an exceptional degree of dependability, especially in situations where consistency is paramount.

Common error

While evocative, "as reliable as clockwork" might sound cliché or informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more direct alternatives like "consistently dependable" or "highly reliable" to maintain a formal tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as reliable as clockwork" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its dependability. The simile uses a clockwork mechanism to emphasize consistent and predictable performance. According to Ludwig the expression is grammatical and follows standard English rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as reliable as clockwork" is an adjectival phrase used to describe something exceptionally dependable and consistent. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It is primarily found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various communication styles. While effective for emphasizing dependability, consider more formal alternatives like "highly dependable" in professional settings. Based on the data, the phrase is more about consistent and predictable action rather than reliability.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as predictable as sunrise

Emphasizes the high predictability of something.

you can set your watch by it

Indicates an action's predictability that allows for keeping track of time.

dependable as the sunrise

Uses a natural phenomenon to illustrate unwavering reliability.

one can always count on

Underlines trustworthiness and dependability.

always on time

Focuses directly on punctuality, which is a component of reliability.

consistently punctual

Highlights consistent adherence to schedules.

faithful as old trusty

Emphasizes faithfulness and reliability.

never misses a beat

Emphasizes seamless and unfailing performance.

like a well-oiled machine

Compares reliability to the smooth functioning of machinery.

sure thing

Highlights the certainty of an outcome or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "as reliable as clockwork" to describe something that happens with great regularity and dependability. For example, "Her attendance was "as reliable as clockwork", she never missed a meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "as reliable as clockwork"?

Alternatives include "dependable as the sunrise", "consistently punctual", or "you can set your watch by it".

Is "as reliable as clockwork" a formal or informal expression?

"As reliable as clockwork" leans towards being an informal expression. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "highly dependable" or "consistently reliable".

What does it mean when someone says something is "as reliable as clockwork"?

When something is described "as reliable as clockwork", it means it is extremely dependable and consistent, functioning with unwavering regularity.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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as reliable as clockworkGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

as reliable as clockwork
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples