the clock struck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the clock struck" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the sound a clock makes when it chimes. For example, "The clock struck twelve times, signaling the end of the workday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 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

But the clock struck zero.

The New York Times - Sports

As the clock struck 12, the bouncers fell back.

Independent

It all looked so obvious, at least until the clock struck midnight.

The New Yorker

Vin Diesel's thoughts were with one man when the clock struck midnight on New Year's.

Independent

The moment the clock struck 4pm on 15 January, I turned on my phone.

Independent

"Since the clock struck that fateful hour, love has covered this resilient city," he said.

The New York Times

It was like "Cinderella" — nobody lingered on the road after the clock struck midnight.

The New Yorker

Lombardo's band played "Auld Lang Syne" just as the clock struck midnight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the clock struck" to create a sense of drama or finality, especially when describing the end of an event or the beginning of a new phase.

Common error

Avoid using "the clock struck" in contexts where a literal clock striking is inappropriate; ensure the figurative meaning aligns with the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the clock struck" primarily functions as a narrative device. It sets a specific point in time, often used to denote the start or end of an event, or to heighten suspense in storytelling. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the clock struck" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts to mark a specific, often significant, moment in time. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. When writing, employ it to create a sense of drama or finality. Be mindful of using it only when its figurative implications are appropriate. Remember that alternatives like "when the hour arrived", "as the hour chimed", or "when the time came" might suit your purpose better depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the hour chimed

Uses "chimed" to emphasize the sound of the clock and replaces "clock" with "hour".

when the hour arrived

Replaces "clock" with "hour" and uses "arrived" instead of "struck", focusing on the arrival of a specific time.

when the time came

Focuses on the arrival of a specific time or moment, using more general terms.

as the bell rang

Substitutes "clock" with "bell", implying a signal indicating the time.

at the appointed hour

Emphasizes the pre-arranged or scheduled nature of the time.

midnight arrived

Focuses specifically on midnight as the key moment or turning point.

when the deadline hit

Replaces the sense of general time with the arrival of a specific deadline.

as the moment dawned

Uses more poetic language to suggest the beginning of a significant event.

when the critical moment arrived

Highlights the importance and significance of the specific time.

at the precise moment

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy of the specified time.

FAQs

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

You can use "the clock struck" to indicate a precise moment in time, often with a sense of drama or importance. For example, "The clock struck midnight, and the spell was broken."

What can I say instead of "the clock struck"?

You can use alternatives like "when the hour arrived", "as the hour chimed", or "when the time came", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the clock hits" instead of "the clock struck"?

While "the clock hits" might be understood in informal contexts, "the clock struck" is the more traditional and grammatically correct way to describe the clock signaling a specific time.

What's the difference between "the clock struck" and "the clock ticked"?

"The clock struck" refers to the moment a clock chimes to indicate the hour, whereas "the clock ticked" describes the continuous, regular sound of a clock measuring time.