tick

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tick' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to mark with a checkmark or as a noun to refer to a short, sharp sound (or the insect that makes such a sound). Example: The teacher ticked off her list of students in attendance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Meanwhile David Cameron's approval rating continues to tick downwards, with 28% approving compared to 29% who don't in the last poll.

The Guardian

In the end I have to concede that Lynton Crosby and the young Republicans who came to help David Cameron's campaign know more about what makes Britain tick than I do.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tourism is what makes the island tick these days, although thankfully it is of the understated variety.

The Guardian - Travel

"An organic way of life that's evolved over all these years is going to be destroyed by a man in a suit because we don't tick the boxes," Cahalane said.

The Guardian

It is relatively easy too to tick off all the lower league grounds a club might visit in the course of its cup runs, and though it takes a hardier streak to follow a team deep into Europe, plenty of fans will be doing it.

The Guardian - Sport

The document opened in Word, and I watched the page count tick up as my computer ascertained the extent of the text.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Instead, he has lurched pathetically, hopelessly from one failed relationship to the next, his biological clock going tick-tock-tick-tock.

The Guardian - Opinion

As in high street banking and lending the world over, the computerised box-tick system has replaced the individual.

The Guardian - Opinion

These interventions need to dive into the heart of the process of technological development: more than the basic tick-box compliance, but tools that can actually alter the pathway of the technologies being assessed.

The Guardian

We run the risk of viewing workplace diversity as nothing but a numbers game; an activity in tick-boxing to make us feel better about ourselves as more "responsible" organisations.

The Guardian

These new safe staffing guidelines show that slowly the tick-list mentality is changing, but they are not without problems.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tick" as a verb meaning 'to mark', ensure it's clear what you are marking or confirming. For example, "Please tick the box if you agree."

Common error

Avoid using "tick" too frequently in formal or academic writing; opt for more precise verbs like "confirm", "verify", or "validate" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "tick" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to make a ticking sound or to mark something with a "tick". As a noun, it refers to the ticking sound itself, a mark, or a small parasitic arachnid. The Ludwig AI validates these usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Tech

5%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "tick" presents a versatile linguistic profile. Functioning as both a verb and a noun, it conveys different meanings ranging from marking an item to describing a sound. Ludwig AI confirms that "tick" is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, notably in News & Media, Sport, and Opinion pieces. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift based on the situation. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider swapping "tick" with alternatives such as "verify" or "validate". The "tick" has also many applications in a more conversational language with expressions such as "tick all the boxes" to define the achievement of all the planned goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check off

Focuses on marking an item as completed or verified, differing slightly from the broader sense of "tick".

mark

Implies creating a sign or symbol, which can be a "tick" mark, but is more general.

note

Highlights acknowledging something, similar to placing a "tick" next to it.

indicate

Refers to showing or pointing out, akin to using a "tick" to signify agreement.

confirm

Emphasizes verifying or validating, a stronger action than a simple "tick".

verify

Implies ensuring accuracy or correctness, similar to using a "tick" to show something is checked.

validate

To confirm something is legally sound or factually correct.

acknowledge

Signifies recognizing or accepting something, which a "tick" can represent.

register

To record or note something. Use when something is formally marked.

record

Similar to register, but may lack formal connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "tick" in a sentence?

You can use "tick" as a verb meaning to mark something, as in "Please "tick the box" if you agree". It can also be used as a noun referring to a sound, as in "The "tick of the clock" was audible in the silent room".

What does it mean to "tick all the boxes"?

To "tick all the boxes" means to meet all the requirements or fulfill all the criteria for something. It's often used when something successfully satisfies all the necessary conditions.

What's the difference between "tick" and "check" when marking a list?

While both "tick" and "check" can be used to mark items on a list, "check" is more commonly used in American English. "Tick" is frequently used in British English and refers to making a slanted mark to indicate something is correct or present.

When can I use "tick" to refer to a short amount of time?

You can use "tick" to mean a short moment or a second in informal contexts. For example, "I'll be back in a "back in a tick"", implying you will return very soon.