regular as clockwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regular as clockwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is happening or working in a regular and reliable manner, like a clock ticking. For example, you could say "The bus schedule on this route is regular as clockwork - it arrives every half hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The animal would win, regular as clockwork.

The New Yorker

Regular as clockwork, he comes here.

The New York Times

I have these pangs every day, regular as clockwork.

The Guardian

Regular as clockwork, the Australians drubbed their rivals, winning eight straight series from 1989 to 2003.

The New York Times - Sports

Brookner's 22nd novel arrives, regular as clockwork and twice as delicate.

The New York Times - Books

The key will appear in the morning, she promises: she is "regular as clockwork".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Rather, in regular-as-clockwork annual speeches, Mr. Obama has simply delayed or slowed troop withdrawals.

The New York Times

Thomas de Quincey once remarked that Kant's regular-as-clockwork walks through Königsberg provided a concrete metaphor for his notoriously abstract, systematic philosophy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UK's fifth channel launched in 1997, but even after a few years of Kirsty Young-hosted news bulletins and regular-as-clockwork screenings of Steve McQueen's Bullitt, most viewers still weren't sure what Channel 5 was for, exactly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Art is a mirror which leads the way as regularly as clockwork – some of the time".

The Guardian - Books

The first: The universe as clockwork (the pendulum of the title) is manifested in Newtonian mechanics.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regular as clockwork" to emphasize the reliable and predictable nature of an event or action. This phrase is particularly effective when describing routines, schedules, or processes that occur consistently.

Common error

Avoid using "regular as clockwork" when describing situations that are inherently unpredictable or subject to change. The phrase implies a high degree of consistency and reliability, so it's unsuitable for describing volatile or erratic events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regular as clockwork" functions as a simile, comparing something to the consistent and predictable operation of a clock. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regular as clockwork" is a simile used to convey the consistent and predictable nature of something, as verified by Ludwig. It functions to assure the audience of reliability, and, being found in News & Media as well as Wiki categories, it can be used in a neutral register. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its correct usage. Related phrases include ""like clockwork"" and "with predictable regularity". It's best used when describing events or routines that occur predictably and should be avoided in unpredictable contexts. Ludwig AI ensures the phrase's correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like clockwork

Emphasizes smooth and predictable operation or occurrence.

with predictable regularity

Highlights the expected and consistent nature of an event or action.

on a consistent basis

Focuses on the continuous and unchanging pattern of events.

with unwavering precision

Stresses the accuracy and exactness of an action or event over time.

as predictable as sunrise

Draws a comparison to a natural, inevitable event to illustrate reliability.

in a routine manner

Highlights the habitual and unchanging execution of a task or event.

like a well-oiled machine

Conveys a sense of efficient and reliable operation.

without fail

Indicates that something always happens and is completely reliable.

customarily

Denotes something that is done according to custom or usual practice.

invariably

Emphasizes the consistent and unchanging nature of an event or action.

FAQs

How can I use "regular as clockwork" in a sentence?

You can use "regular as clockwork" to describe anything that happens predictably and reliably, such as, "The train arrives "like clockwork" every morning at 8 AM" or "Her blog posts appear "on a consistent basis", regular as clockwork."

What phrases are similar to "regular as clockwork"?

Alternatives to "regular as clockwork" include phrases like ""like clockwork"", "with predictable regularity", or ""on a consistent basis"", all of which convey a sense of reliability and predictability.

Is it grammatically correct to say "regular as clockwork"?

Yes, "regular as clockwork" is a grammatically correct simile used to describe something that happens with consistent timing and reliability. It's a common and accepted phrase in English.

In what situations is "regular as clockwork" most appropriate?

"Regular as clockwork" is most appropriate when describing events, processes, or routines that occur predictably and without deviation. It's ideal for emphasizing the reliable nature of something, similar to saying something happens "like a well-oiled machine".