on the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the clock" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase meaning to be working. For example, "I have to finish this project before the end of the day - I'm on the clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He never had one eye on the clock.

The New Yorker

It's on the clock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Jaguars are on the clock.

The New York Times

Hey, the Giants are on the clock.

The New York Times

The Jets are on the clock.

The New York Times

90 seconds on the clock.

The Guardian - Sport

He's on the clock now.

The Guardian - Sport

Time up on the clock.

The Guardian - Sport

Toronto back on the clock.

The Guardian - Sport

There wasn't much time on the clock.

The New York Times - Magazine

Are the Niners on the clock yet?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the clock" to clearly indicate that someone is working and being paid for their time. It's a concise way to communicate that tasks are being performed during remunerated employment.

Common error

Avoid using "on the clock" when you simply mean something is happening soon. This phrase specifically refers to paid working time, not just any upcoming event. Instead, use phrases like "approaching deadline" or "imminent" to describe general time limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the clock" primarily functions as an adjective or adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it describes a state of being actively working and being paid for that time. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig confirm its common usage in indicating work-related activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the clock" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone is actively working and being paid for their time. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is adjective or adverbial, serving to describe a state or timeframe of employment. While its register is generally neutral, it's more suited for informal and news contexts than formal academic or scientific writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as emphasizing time constraints or the act of working. Remember to reserve the phrase for actual paid working time to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during working hours

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more literal description of the same timeframe.

while at work

Offers a straightforward alternative, focusing on the location and activity.

under a deadline

Shifts the focus to the pressure of a time limit rather than the act of working.

pressed for time

Emphasizes the limited time available to complete a task.

against the clock

Highlights the sense of urgency and competition with time.

time-constrained

A more formal way of saying that time is a significant limiting factor.

during business hours

Similar to "during working hours" but specifies a business context.

actively employed

Focuses on the state of being employed and working.

officially working

Emphasizes the official nature of the work being done.

in the middle of work

Focuses on the action of working.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on the clock"?

Being "on the clock" means that you are currently working and being paid for your time. It implies that your activities are work-related and within your official working hours.

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

You can use "on the clock" to indicate that someone is working, for example: "The employees are "on the clock" and focused on completing the project before the deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "on the clock"?

Some alternatives to "on the clock" include phrases like "during working hours", "while at work", or "under a deadline" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on the clock" in formal writing?

While "on the clock" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal business or academic writing, consider using phrases like "during business hours" or "actively employed" for a more professional tone.