clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clock" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to the device that measures time or in expressions related to timekeeping. Example: "I glanced at the clock and realized I was late for my appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the clock is ticking.

The Guardian - Business

CEO: Rex Tillerson Reported pay*: $33m Big capex milestone: Kara Sea, Russian Arctic After months of drilling around the clock through the short Arctic summer, Exxon Mobil and their Russian partners Rosneft struck oil last year.

The Guardian

"I'm just finding it in a way a little bit disappointing that Frank Rijkaard, who is also such a talented player, seems today to have such a negative role, just looking after [Jürgen] Klinsmann," said the ITV commentator Brian Moore, as the clock ticked towards the 20-minute mark.

The Guardian - Sport

We have a mandate for a sustainable solution within the eurozone Yannis Dragasakis Athens is in a race against the clock to unlock €7.2bn (£5.3bn) in rescue loans the EU and IMF have refused to disburse until the government delivers a convincing package of reforms.

The Guardian

She described it vividly: everybody stood outside and the clock hand moved towards eight and people started singing "Abide with Me".

The Guardian - Film

Samaritans are available around the clock, every day of the year, for anyone struggling to cope.

The Guardian

Between the drinking and the anxiety, often I was in the bathroom when the clock struck twelve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both Palestinian and Israeli delegations in Zurich have been working around the clock since arriving in the midst of the biggest scandal to hit the world football organisation.

The Guardian

"I kept looking at the clock and thinking: 'I can do it, I can do it.'" In the end he had plenty to spare, with Steve Ovett's 8min 13.51sec set in 1978 obliterated by Farah's 8min 07.85sec.

The Guardian - Sport

David Aaronovitch in the Times (paywall) wasn't impressed by Nick Clegg's article about "alarm clock Britain" in the Sun earlier this week.

The Guardian

All the while, Nick keeps a watchful eye on the large digital clock.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the different meanings of "clock", as it can refer to a timepiece, an odometer reading, or even the act of striking someone.

Common error

Avoid using "clock" in literal senses when an idiomatic expression is intended. For instance, saying "watching the clock" when you mean feeling impatient for time to pass.

Linguistic Context

The word "clock" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a device that measures time. It can also function as a verb, meaning to measure the duration or speed of something, or to hit someone. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing these different usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clock" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms, commonly found in various contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and can refer to a time-measuring device or the act of timing something. It's predominantly used in news, sports, and lifestyle content, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, be aware of the different meanings and idiomatic expressions associated with "clock" to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timepiece

Refers specifically to an instrument for measuring time, similar to "clock".

alarm clock

A clock that can be set to sound an alarm at a specific time.

watch

A portable timepiece worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket, differing from a stationary "clock".

chronometer

Indicates a precise timekeeping device, often used in navigation, offering a more technical alternative to "clock".

set the clock

Describes the action of adjusting a clock to the correct time.

digital watch

This term specifies a type of watch displaying time numerically, distinct from an analog "clock".

grandfather clock

A tall, freestanding clock, offering a specific type of "clock".

ticker

An informal term for a watch or clock, implying the ticking sound.

hourglass

A historical device for measuring time, providing a different method compared to a modern "clock".

sundial

An ancient instrument that uses the sun to tell time, contrasting with the mechanism of a "clock".

FAQs

How can I use "clock" in a sentence?

The word "clock" can be used in a sentence as a noun, referring to a timepiece, or as a verb, meaning to time something or to hit someone. For example, "The "clock" struck noon" or "He was "clocked" running the mile in under four minutes".

What are some synonyms for "clock"?

Synonyms for "clock" include "timepiece", "chronometer", and, in some contexts, "watch".

What does it mean when someone says they are "working around the clock"?

To be "working around the "clock"" means to be working continuously, 24 hours a day, often implying a sense of urgency or dedication.

Is it correct to say "clock off" or "clock out"?

Both "clock off" and "clock out" are correct and commonly used phrases that mean to record the time of departure from work.