off the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"off the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not part of one's job or obligation, especially when referring to someone working outside of their normal allocated work hours. For example, "I stayed late to finish the project, but I did the extra research off the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Other entries that I liked include GO POOF and OFF THE CLOCK.

The New York Times

If necessary, turn off the clock.

The New York Times

When off the clock she wrote the script for "Middle of Nowhere".

The New York Times

But after going off the clock, the temps can't go home.

The Guardian - Opinion

For many women of Schatz's generation, going off the clock wasn't a viable option.

Science Magazine

You are officially off the clock for several days.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nicholson had what was known as an "off-the-clock" agreement.

Wikipedia

Dollar General added that off-the-clock work is "absolutely" prohibited.

Huffington Post

And cases and lawsuits alleging off-the-clock labor dwarf those of comparable companies.

Huffington Post

But is being pregnant really the same as getting an off-the-clock injury?

Huffington Post

Encourage employees to take off-the-clock breaks where appropriate.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the clock" to clearly indicate that activities or discussions are separate from work responsibilities, ensuring clarity in communication with colleagues or clients.

Common error

Avoid using "off the clock" when you mean "on the clock". Ensure you're accurately representing whether someone is working and being paid for their time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the clock" functions as an adjective describing a state of being not at work or not being paid for working. It modifies nouns to indicate activities or time periods outside of one's professional obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off the clock" effectively conveys the concept of being outside of work responsibilities or work hours. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to differentiate between professional duties and personal time. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid confusion with "on the clock". Alternatives such as "not working" or "after hours" can be considered for varying levels of formality. By understanding these nuances, one can use "off the clock" with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not working

A simpler way of saying someone is not currently engaged in work.

at leisure

Implies freedom and relaxation outside of work commitments.

on break

Specifically refers to a temporary pause from work duties.

free time

General term for time not occupied by work or obligations.

personal time

Emphasizes that the time is for personal activities and relaxation.

after hours

Highlights that an activity or event occurs outside of regular work hours.

not on duty

Indicates that someone is not currently responsible for their work duties.

out of service

Suggests a temporary unavailability due to being off work.

time off

General way to express that you are on a leave from work or routine duties.

unpaid time

Specifically refers to time when an employee is not being compensated for work.

FAQs

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

You can use "off the clock" to describe activities done during non-working hours, such as "I enjoy painting when I'm "off the clock"" or to indicate that something is not work-related, like "Let's discuss this "off the clock", during lunch".

What's a more formal alternative to "off the clock"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "during non-working hours", "outside of business hours", or "in personal time" to convey the same meaning as "off the clock".

Is it correct to say "off of the clock" instead of "off the clock"?

While some might use "off of the clock", it's generally considered less common and slightly less grammatically correct than the standard phrase "off the clock". The simpler phrasing is preferred for clarity and conciseness.

What's the legal implication of "off the clock" work?

"Off the clock" work refers to labor performed outside of officially recorded work hours. Employers are legally required to pay employees for all hours worked, so requiring or allowing "off the clock" work can lead to wage and hour violations.