clock start ticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'clock start ticking' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a period of time in which something needs to be done. For example: "Once the application process is complete, the clock starts ticking and you have 30 days to submit your supporting documents."

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Almost a year to the day after laying out his proposal, Dr. Cigarroa, in an interview at his Austin office, said, "As soon as the board gave unanimous approval, I started feeling the clock start ticking".

The New York Times

It's one thing to be at risk of a heart attack when you're 50, and quite another to have the clock start ticking at age 10.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The clock started ticking July 1 , 1997

The New York Times

2) The clock starts ticking.

The Guardian - Books

"The clock started ticking," Pomahac said.

The New Yorker

So now the clock starts ticking again.

The Guardian

When Lewis starts on 1 October, the clock starts ticking.

The Guardian - Business

That clock started ticking in September, not last week.

The New York Times - Sports

In this case, the clock starts ticking when you place your order.

Independent

The patent clock starts ticking at discovery, so faster trials mean a larger return on investment.

The Economist

In an important way, a new moral clock starts ticking with every human life.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "clock starts ticking" when writing for a broader audience to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase in contexts that require a literal description of a clock. The expression is idiomatic and best suited for scenarios involving deadlines or time-sensitive actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock start ticking" functions as a signal that a defined period has begun and is underway, with a sense of urgency or pressure to complete tasks within that timeframe. While slightly unconventional, Ludwig shows its usage to indicate the beginning of a deadline or time-sensitive process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clock start ticking" is used to indicate the commencement of a time-sensitive period. While slightly less common than "clock starts ticking", Ludwig and its Ludwig AI analysis confirm that it is still understandable and usable, particularly in news and media, academia and business contexts. However, consider its idiomatic nature and usage of alternatives for greater clarity to a broader audience. Overall, the phrase serves to signal the beginning of a deadline or the start of a race against time, emphasizing that immediate action is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The countdown begins

Focuses on the idea of a decreasing time interval before a specific event, changing the metaphor from a clock to a countdown.

Time is of the essence

Emphasizes the critical importance of time, shifting the focus to urgency rather than the start of a timed period.

We're on the clock

Highlights the time-bound nature of a task, emphasizing the awareness of limited time.

The deadline is approaching

Highlights the nearness of a deadline, rather than the commencement of a timed process.

The race is on

Emphasizes competition within a limited timeframe, changing the image to a race.

The process is underway

Focuses on the continuation of an activity, lacking the connotation of time pressure.

Action stations

Implies the start of intensive action within a specified timeframe, shifting the sense to urgency and intensity.

Let the games begin

Expresses the start of a complex and often competitive activity with a definitive end. It implies a structured process unfolding within a time limit.

The window is open

Indicates the availability of an opportunity within a certain timeframe, but lacks the direct sense of time counting down.

The period commences

Formally denotes the beginning of a time period, shifting the phrase to a more official and less urgent context.

FAQs

What does it mean when the "clock start ticking"?

It signifies that a limited time period has begun, within which specific actions must be completed or certain conditions must be met.

Is it correct to say "clock start ticking" or should it be "clock starts ticking"?

While "clock start ticking" is understandable, "clock starts ticking" is grammatically more standard. Both are used, but the latter is more common. For example, "clock starts ticking".

When can I use "clock start ticking" in a sentence?

You can use it when describing the initiation of a period with a deadline. For example, "The "clock start ticking"" as soon as the agreement is signed, giving us 30 days to finalize the details.

Are there alternatives to "clock start ticking" that I can use?

Yes, alternatives include "the countdown begins", "time is of the essence", or "the deadline is approaching", depending on the specific context.