ticking along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ticking along" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a process that is going as expected, usually with the passage of time. For example, "The project has been ticking along nicely and should be completed by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The economy is ticking along nicely.

The Economist

I was effectively ticking along without a strategy".

The Guardian

"He is definitely a spring horse and is ticking along well at home.

The Guardian - Sport

"We kept ticking along during the last debacle in 2008, and continued to grow," Mr. Friend said.

The New York Times

While the European Union's Emission Trading System is ticking along, it is looking increasingly likely to be the only big game in town for years to come.

The New York Times

Having said that there is as much to learn about character from a player going through a tough spell as there is when everything is ticking along nicely.

The Guardian - Sport

Before that, it was ticking along, job to job, then suddenly these two big seismic personal incidents happened and it all grew up together".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A scurry for two keeps England ticking along, then a cut into the deep for a single brings up the Bopara half century, from 56 balls.

The Guardian - Sport

A loan modification can make it seem that a poorly performing mortgage is ticking along nicely.

Forbes

Rosberg is delivering solid results, his points total is ticking along, and he is deservedly reaping the rewards from that.

BBC

The original data-warehousing business is still ticking along, but growth and profits likely will come from the scorecard business.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ticking along" to describe something that's proceeding without major issues or setbacks. It implies steady, consistent progress, but not necessarily rapid advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "ticking along" when something is experiencing rapid growth or significant improvement. This phrase suggests a more gradual, less dramatic progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ticking along" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, often used adverbially to describe the manner in which something progresses or operates. Ludwig indicates its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ticking along" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the steady and consistent progress of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Sports contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "ticking along", remember that it implies a moderate pace without significant issues, and alternatives like "progressing smoothly" or "moving forward steadily" might be more suitable for different nuances. Avoid using it for situations with rapid growth or major setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing smoothly

Suggests a more seamless and effortless advancement than "ticking along".

running smoothly

Focuses on the operational aspect rather than the temporal progression aspect emphasized by "ticking along".

keeping on track

Highlights adherence to a planned course, while "ticking along" simply describes a general state of progression.

moving forward steadily

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering nature of the progression, unlike "ticking along" which implies a more casual advancement.

maintaining momentum

Emphasizes the continuation of speed or force, which may not be directly implied by "ticking along".

making headway

Indicates significant progress, while "ticking along" may refer to smaller, incremental advancements.

functioning adequately

Focuses on the sufficient operation of something, rather than its rate of progress implied by "ticking along".

operating normally

Emphasizes standard function, differing from the more dynamic sense of movement in "ticking along".

getting by

Suggests a minimal level of success or operation, contrasting with the potentially more positive connotation of "ticking along".

plodding along

Implies slow and laborious progress, while "ticking along" has a less negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "ticking along" in a sentence?

You can use "ticking along" to describe a process or situation that is progressing steadily and without significant problems. For example, "The project is "ticking along" nicely and should be completed on time."

What does "ticking along" imply about the speed of progress?

"Ticking along" suggests a steady, consistent pace, but not necessarily rapid or exceptional progress. It implies things are moving forward as expected, without major issues.

What are some alternatives to "ticking along"?

Alternatives include "progressing smoothly", "moving forward steadily", or "functioning adequately", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "ticking along"?

Avoid using "ticking along" when describing situations involving rapid growth, significant improvements, or major challenges. It's better suited for scenarios with stable, uneventful progress.