the clock strikes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the clock strikes" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe the sound or action of a clock striking the hour. It can also be used figuratively to indicate a specific time or moment. Example: As midnight approached, the clock struck 12, signaling the start of the new year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The clock strikes 2 a.m.

The New York Times

It gallops when the clock strikes.

The New York Times

Four minutes later, the clock strikes again.

The New York Times

This isn't New Year's Eve as the clock strikes midnight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

[The clock strikes twelve.] O, it strikes, it strikes!

The Guardian - Books

But when the clock strikes midnight on June 30, negotiations between agents and teams can begin.

The New York Times

When the clock strikes 2 a.m. here, bars close down and clubs stop serving alcohol.

The New York Times

(The whole ensemble goes into motion when the clock strikes 12, 2, 3 and 4 p.m).

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The clock struck ten.

The New Yorker

When the clock struck 12 01 a.m.

The New York Times - Sports

PARIS — The clock struck 10 a.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the clock strikes" to create a sense of dramatic timing or impending change in narratives or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the clock strikes" in purely factual descriptions of time. Instead, use it to evoke a specific mood or symbolic moment. Otherwise, simpler phrases like "the time is" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the clock strikes" primarily functions as a narrative device to mark time, signal transitions, or create suspense. It's often used to highlight a critical moment or deadline, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the clock strikes" is a versatile phrase predominantly used to mark time dramatically or symbolically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in News & Media, often adding a layer of significance to a particular moment. While the phrase may not be ideal for strictly formal or scientific contexts, it excels in narrative and descriptive writing. When using "the clock strikes", consider alternatives like "when the bell tolls" or "as the hour arrives" to tailor the tone and impact to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the bell tolls

Replaces "clock" with "bell" and "strikes" with "tolls", altering the sound imagery but maintaining the sense of a time marker.

when the chimes ring

Replaces "strikes" with "chimes", offering a softer, more melodic sound imagery.

as the hour arrives

Substitutes the specific action of striking with the more general arrival of an hour, focusing on the temporal aspect.

as the hour is rung

Replaces "strikes" with "rung", implying a traditional or ceremonial announcement of the hour.

when the time comes

Replaces the clock imagery with a more general reference to the arrival of a significant moment.

at the appointed hour

Focuses on a pre-determined or scheduled time, implying anticipation or expectation.

as the deadline approaches

Shifts the focus to the impending nature of a deadline, creating a sense of urgency.

the witching hour begins

Implies the start of a specific hour associated with magic or supernatural events, changing the overall tone.

the moment is at hand

Moves away from time-keeping devices and emphasizes the imminence of a significant event.

the critical juncture

Focuses on a turning point or decisive moment, highlighting importance over precise timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "the clock strikes" to denote a specific time or moment, often with a sense of significance or transition. For example, "As "the clock strikes midnight", the new year begins."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "the clock strikes"?

Alternatives include "when the bell tolls" or "as the hour arrives". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Which is correct, "the clock strikes" or "the clock is striking"?

"The clock strikes" is a simple present tense, often used for habitual actions or timeless statements. "The clock is striking" is present continuous, suggesting an action happening now. Both are correct but convey different nuances.

What does it mean when someone says "the clock strikes" in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "the clock strikes" can represent a critical moment, a deadline, or a turning point. It implies that a significant event is about to occur, similar to "when the time comes".