clock apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clock apart" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in a specific context to describe something that is separated by time, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "The two events were scheduled to start an hour clock apart, making it difficult to attend both."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You can take the clock apart, lay the pieces out in front of you, and then try to understand what makes it tick by putting it back together again," he said.

The New York Times

Yes! I've got to eat! I've got to take a clock apart to see how that works!

Huffington Post

Pull a cheap clock apart, taking off the hands and the clock mechanism, or purchase a clock kit from a hobby/crafts store.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The store had a typewriter department, and Manson, the kind of boy who took clocks apart to see what made them tick, began working there as a teenager.

The New York Times

"When I was in kindergarten, I started taking alarm clocks apart," he says.

Huffington Post

If you have to take the clock entirely apart, leave the clock border/frame on the sidelines, as you will be painting the clock face anyway.

WikiHow

As a kid, he did kid stuff: he rode his bike, played board games, took apart clocks and radios, built and set off fireworks with friends.

The New Yorker

I didn't take apart clocks and motors to see how they worked before (unsuccessfully) attempting to piece them back together.

The Guardian

At 10am in the Potteries Shopping Centre, the two sides of the argument set up stalls near a wrought iron clock tower, mere feet apart.

The Guardian

"You know those tests that tell people what you are like, and you have to choose between taking apart a clock and climbing a mountain?" she asked.

The New Yorker

One of the things we started working on is a how-to, a set of instructions, to build two-way radios, walkie-talkies… with hardware that people already have and the best thing we came up with is if you take a normal clock radio, smash it apart and cross a couple of wires and you can get them to communicate with each other.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clock apart", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a temporal or spatial separation related to timekeeping. Consider alternatives like "time difference" or "spaced apart in time" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clock apart" in contexts where the meaning could be misinterpreted as a broken clock or components of a clock being physically separated. Rephrase to specify the intended meaning, such as "events scheduled an hour apart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock apart" functions primarily as a descriptor indicating either a temporal or spatial separation somehow related to a clock or time. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is not a standard expression and can be ambiguous, requiring contextual clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clock apart" is an uncommon expression that can refer to either a temporal or spatial separation related to timekeeping. Ludwig AI indicates it's not a standard phrase, potentially leading to ambiguity. Better alternatives, depending on the context, include "time difference", "hour apart", or "separated by time". When using "clock apart", ensure the surrounding text clarifies the intended meaning to avoid misinterpretation. While the phrase appears in a mix of news, wiki, and scientific contexts, it's crucial to prioritize clarity and consider more conventional alternatives for improved communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time difference

This alternative focuses on the difference in time between two points or events.

time interval

This refers to the duration or period between two specific times.

separated by time

This highlights the temporal separation between events or actions.

at different times

This emphasizes the occurrence of events at distinct points in time.

spaced out in time

This suggests intervals or gaps between occurrences in a timeline.

time lapse

This refers to the duration of time that passes between two events or states.

hourly difference

Emphasizes difference in hours.

separated spatially

This shifts the focus from temporal to spatial separation but maintains the 'apart' aspect.

in timed intervals

Highlights the presence of fixed time intervals.

distanced by time

Focuses on the aspect of being distanced in a temporal context.

FAQs

How can I use "clock apart" in a sentence?

The phrase "clock apart" isn't commonly used. If you mean a time difference, you could say "The meetings were scheduled an "hour apart"". If you mean taking a clock to pieces, use "take the clock apart".

What can I say instead of "clock apart"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "time difference", "time interval", or "separated by time".

Which is correct, "clock apart" or "hour apart"?

"Hour apart" is generally clearer and more grammatically correct than "clock apart" when referring to events scheduled at different times. "Clock apart" may cause confusion.

What's the difference between "clock apart" and "time difference"?

"Time difference" is a standard and clear term for indicating the difference in time between two points or events. "Clock apart" is less common and can be ambiguous, possibly referring to the physical state of a clock rather than a temporal difference.