as the clockwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the clockwork" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without additional context.
It could be used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that operates smoothly and predictably, similar to the workings of a clock. Example: "The project ran as the clockwork, with every team member fulfilling their role perfectly."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Such as? "The clockwork universe.

The New Yorker

Latin American admirers referred to the orange-clad Dutch national team as "The Clockwork Orange".

Los Angeles Times

Better utensils and fire grates, as well as the clockwork spit, became possible thanks to this metalwork.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then a strange person comes, takes the clockwork sparrow as well as shooting the nasty boy!

The Guardian

The win was as predictable as clockwork, as March as St. Patrick's Day, or Izzo's histrionics on the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

As regular as clockwork, the early summer launch of the next OnePlus handset approaches.

Forbes

As Edward Dolnick, author of "The Clockwork Universe," an entertaining history of the early society, noted, the founders viewed the laws of nature and God as inseparable.

The New York Times - Science

In the course of evolution, timekeeping mechanisms, such as the molecular clockwork, have evolved in all cells of the body.

Plosone

Phase space analysis of the reduced subsystem shows that the null-surface of the Serine-phosphorylated state (S-state) of KaiC is a bistable surface, and that the characteristic of the phase portrait indicates that the kernel mechanism of the clockwork behaves as a relaxation oscillator induced by interlinked positive and negative feedback loops.

Biosystems

Steinway paints his motivations on the Clockwork front as primarily reactionary.

Huffington Post

The Clockwork Oranje, as they were affectionately called, featured crisp passing, fluid team movement and technical brilliance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing predictable or regular events, consider using the more idiomatic expression "like clockwork" instead of "as the clockwork" for better clarity and naturalness.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "as the clockwork" when describing regularity. Opt for alternatives like "like clockwork" or "as regular as clockwork" to prevent your writing from sounding stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the clockwork" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause, indicating the manner or regularity in which something occurs. This usage is supported by Ludwig's analysis, though the phrase is not particularly common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "as the clockwork" is not particularly common in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrasing is not frequently used. More idiomatic alternatives, such as "like clockwork" or "as regular as clockwork", are generally preferred. Although the phrase is understood, using these alternatives will likely make your writing sound more natural and fluent. Its register is generally neutral to slightly formal, appearing most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like clockwork

This is the most common and idiomatic way to express the idea of something happening regularly and predictably.

as regular as clockwork

Similar to "like clockwork", this phrase emphasizes the regularity of an event.

with clockwork precision

This phrase highlights the accuracy and exactness of an action.

in a clockwork fashion

This emphasizes the mechanical, automated nature of a process.

smoothly and predictably

This describes the outcome of a process that operates without issues.

with mechanical regularity

Emphasizes the consistent, machine-like quality of an occurrence.

according to schedule

Focuses on adherence to a pre-defined timetable.

on a fixed timetable

Highlights the rigid structure and predictable timing.

like a well-oiled machine

Similar to 'clockwork', suggests smooth and efficient operation.

systematically

Emphasizes that a process is done in an organised and methodical manner.

FAQs

What does "as the clockwork" mean?

The phrase "as the clockwork" suggests something happens regularly and predictably, similar to how a clock functions. However, it's less common than other similar expressions.

What can I say instead of "as the clockwork"?

You can use alternatives like "like clockwork", "as regular as clockwork", or "with clockwork precision" depending on the specific context.

Is "as the clockwork" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as the clockwork" is grammatically correct, but it is not the most common or idiomatic way to express the concept of regularity. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase isn't frequently used.

How can I make my writing sound more natural when describing something that happens regularly?

To improve the naturalness of your writing, substitute "as the clockwork" with phrases such as "like a well-oiled machine" or "systematically", which convey similar meanings but are more commonly used.