start the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"start the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about beginning a period of time, or when you are initiating some sort of process. For example, "It's time to start the clock. Let's begin the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We'll start the clock over.

The New York Times - Sports

Start the clock, now.

The Guardian - Sport

Until the room opens, you cannot start the clock ticking".

The New York Times

4.37pm: Andy Schleck takes the stage win - start the clock.

The Guardian - Sport

"Let's start the clock again, Lester, Clintonn said to Holt.

The New Yorker

Finally, there would be peace in the N.F.L. for — start the clock — fifteen seconds.

The New Yorker

And does it start the clock on Chamberlain's time in pinstripes?

The New York Times

Her announcement will start the clock on two years of negotiations.

The Guardian

The rule is that you start the clock when the mixture has reached "a rolling boil".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At the start of the game, the players with the black pieces start the clocks simultaneously.

Wikipedia

The Hambletonian starts the clock.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start the clock" when you want to emphasize the beginning of a limited duration or a process with a defined endpoint. This phrase can create a sense of urgency or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "start the clock" when you simply mean to begin an action without any time constraint or specific deadline. Choose a different phrase that better reflects the open-ended nature of the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the clock" functions as a directive or an imperative, signaling the commencement of a timed interval or process. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from sports to political negotiations, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the clock" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the beginning of a timed process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for various contexts, from news reporting to project management. Its frequent appearance in news media and formal business settings indicates its widespread acceptance and utility in marking the initiation of time-sensitive activities. The alternative phrases and writing guidance offer additional insights into its proper usage and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the countdown

Replaces "start" with "begin" and uses "countdown" to emphasize the timed aspect.

initiate the timer

Uses more formal synonyms for "start" and "clock", suitable for technical contexts.

set the timer running

Emphasizes the continuous action of the timer once it's started.

commence the timing

More formal and emphasizes the act of measuring time.

activate the stopwatch

Specifically refers to using a stopwatch for timing.

ring in the deadline

Replaces "start" with "ring in" and refers to the end of time.

trigger the timeframe

A more technical phrase focusing on the activation of a specific duration.

set the wheels in motion

Suggests initiating a process that involves a sequence of events over time.

kick off the period

A more informal way to indicate the start of a defined duration.

get the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression for initiating a process or activity, implying momentum.

FAQs

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

You can use "start the clock" to indicate the beginning of a defined period or process. For example, "Let's "start the clock" on this project and see what we can accomplish in the next 24 hours".

What's another way to say "start the clock"?

Alternatives to "start the clock" include "begin the countdown", "initiate the timer", or "set the timer running".

When is it appropriate to use "start the clock"?

"Start the clock" is appropriate when you want to mark the beginning of a time-sensitive task or process. It's often used in project management, sports, or any situation where time is a crucial factor.

What is the difference between "start the clock" and "begin"?

"Begin" is a general term for starting something. "Start the clock", on the other hand, specifically implies initiating a timed process or setting a deadline. It adds an element of time sensitivity that "begin" lacks.