make the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to timekeeping, scheduling, or metaphorically referring to the passage of time. Example: "We need to make the clock work properly to ensure accurate timekeeping for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

What better way to normalize that act than to make the Clock Room seem as calmly everlasting, as naturally commanding, as Father Time himself?

The New York Times

The length of a pendulum with a period of one second is about 39 inches (990 mm), and an increase in length of 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) will make the clock lose about one second per day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These characters make the clock more comfortable for engineering applications.

Physics Letters A

"We have drugs which can make the clock shorter or longer, what we need is to shift it to a new time zone and that is what they have done".

BBC

The builder of the water-clock first has to make a plan of it, secondly execute this plan and build the clock, and thirdly he has to make the clock going by supplying it with a constant source of energy, namely the flow of water.

SEP

Besides, we all spend more hours with our coworkers than we do our families, so we should take Dunder Mifflin's lead and make the most of our time with our deskmates, or at least make their lives a little hellish just because we have to stare at their faces all day to make the clock go faster.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Many of the parts, including the cogwheel motors that make the clocks tick, are original.

The New York Times

On his appealing recent solo album, "Make the Clocks Move" (Triple Crown), Mr. Devine, leader of the emo band Miracle of '86, wears his anxiety lightly.

The New York Times

She married Vincente Minnelli in 1945 & they made "The Clock" & "The Pirate".

The New Yorker

He added that he had made the clock to impress his teacher, but realised something was wrong "when I saw her eyebrows go up".

The Guardian

Clark Chen, a senior marketing manager for Oregon Scientific in Tualatin, Ore., which makes the clock, estimated it would take someone two hours to learn how to use it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the clock" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly supports the intended meaning. For instance, "We need to make the clock tick faster on this project" implies accelerating progress.

Common error

Avoid using "make the clock" in contexts where a more precise verb like "set", "adjust", or "repair" would be more appropriate. Using it loosely can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the clock" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often appearing as part of a larger sentence. It describes the action of creating, constructing, or metaphorically influencing a clock or time-related process. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its various usages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make the clock" is grammatically correct and serves as a verb phrase with diverse applications, ranging from the literal construction of a clock to metaphorical expressions of time management. Ludwig's analysis indicates its usage spans across news, scientific, and general contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, its meaning is generally clear, and potential ambiguity can be mitigated with careful word choice. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in written English, encompassing various time-related actions. To ensure clarity, consider whether alternatives like "build", "set", "adjust", or "repair" might be more precise depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build the timepiece

Focuses on the construction aspect, emphasizing the creation of a clock.

construct the clock

Similar to "build the timepiece", this highlights the act of assembling a clock.

assemble the clock

Highlights the process of putting together the parts of a clock.

repair the clock

Shifts the focus to fixing a broken or malfunctioning clock.

set the time

Concentrates on adjusting the clock to the correct time.

adjust the clock

Similar to "set the time", this refers to modifying the clock's settings.

regulate the clock

Implies maintaining the clock's accuracy over time.

design the clock

Emphasizes the planning and creative process behind a clock.

develop the clock

Focuses on the process of creating and improving a clock's functionality.

manufacture the clock

Highlights the industrial production of clocks.

FAQs

How can I use "make the clock" in a sentence?

You can use "make the clock" when referring to constructing a clock, ensuring a clock functions, or metaphorically, influencing the pace or perception of time. For example, "He tried to "make the clock" himself from spare parts."

What's a more precise alternative to "make the clock"?

Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives include "set the clock" (for adjusting time), "build the clock" (for constructing), or "repair the clock" (for fixing malfunctions).

When is it appropriate to use "make the clock" metaphorically?

Use it metaphorically to describe influencing the pace or perception of time in a project or situation. For example, "We need to "make the clock" move faster on this deal."

Is "make the clock" always the best phrase, or are there better options?

While grammatically correct, "make the clock" may not always be the most precise choice. Consider alternatives like "design the clock" if referring to planning, or "regulate the clock" if referring to maintaining accuracy, to convey your meaning more effectively.