clock started ticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clock started ticking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a deadline or time limit has begun, often in a context where urgency is emphasized. Example: "Once the project was approved, the clock started ticking, and we had only two weeks to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"The clock started ticking," Pomahac said.

The New Yorker

That clock started ticking in September, not last week.

The New York Times - Sports

And as the 90-day clock started ticking, a small chapter in a much larger story began to unfold.

The New York Times

"The clock started ticking the day the ship was delivered," said Jessica Estrada, the on-board sales manager.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the clock started ticking for Hillary Clinton to declare formally after she rented offices in Brooklyn for her national campaign headquarters.

The Economist

A lawyer can help determine when the clock started ticking on an abatement and what the tax bill will be when it runs out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

2) The clock starts ticking.

The Guardian - Books

So now the clock starts ticking again.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Business

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clock started ticking" to emphasize that a specific, limited timeframe has begun, especially when urgency is important.

Common error

Avoid using "clock started ticking" in contexts where a relaxed or indefinite timeframe is intended; it implies a deadline and a need for prompt action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clock started ticking" functions as an idiom, indicating the commencement of a defined period, often with a sense of urgency or impending deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clock started ticking" is a common idiom used to signify the beginning of a limited timeframe, often implying urgency. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is found primarily in news and media contexts, though it can be used in formal business settings as well. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implication of urgency and avoid using it when a relaxed timeframe is intended. Alternatives such as "time began to run out" or "countdown commenced" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time began to run out

Emphasizes the diminishing nature of time available.

countdown commenced

Focuses on the beginning of a sequential count towards a deadline.

deadline was initiated

Highlights the start of a defined period with an end goal.

the window opened

Implies a limited opportunity became available.

the process was set in motion

Highlights the start of an action chain

the ball started rolling

Focuses on the beginning of some activity or event

things were underway

Emphasizes that a process has started, and things are in progress.

the end was nigh

Highlights the closeness of the end, in some negative way

the fuse was lit

Emphasizes the beginning of a dangerous event

the game was afoot

Focuses on the beginning of some strategic action

FAQs

How can I use "clock started ticking" in a sentence?

The phrase "clock started ticking" is used to indicate the beginning of a limited time frame. For example: "Once the contract was signed, the "clock started ticking", and we had only three months to deliver the project."

What is a good alternative to "clock started ticking"?

Alternatives include "time began to run out", "countdown commenced", or "deadline was initiated", each emphasizing the start of a limited period.

What does it mean when someone says "the clock started ticking"?

It means a specific time period or deadline has begun, often implying that there is a limited amount of time to complete something.

Is "clock started ticking" formal or informal?

The phrase "clock started ticking" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding tone and subject matter.