time to clock out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to clock out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a workplace context to indicate that it is the end of a work shift and that an employee can leave for the day. Example: "After a long day of meetings and projects, it's finally time to clock out and head home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But at best, and if you play the odds right and wear shit like this consistently every single day, then when that strangely hot half-Korean dude at the boutique you pass by every day decides it's time to clock out (and clock in to your vagina), you'll be like some sexy Christmas present.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One Sports Direct shop worker, who said he has reported the retailer to HMRC for not paying the minimum wage, said: "There have been times when they tell us to clock out and then we have to work for an hour or two without pay.

The Guardian - Business

As the guitar player strummed a few bars of "Let It Be," one woman began to clock out one last time.

The New York Times

Finally, it's 6 p.m. time to clock out.

Forbes

He added, "This has been a very deliberate effort over time to run out the clock".

The New York Times

With the first down, Maryland had enough time to run out the clock and clinch the 42 35 victory.

Wikipedia

When the clock strikes zero, it's time to throw out the clock.

The Washington Post

With two dozen others, all clutching time sheets to clock in and out, we assemble inside what is billed as an "immersive ghost factory".

The Guardian

This is also a good time to check out your alarm clock and make arrangements for how you will awaken in the morning.

HuffPost

As Palmer knelt three times to run out the clock, Cincinnati safety Chris Crocker spent the last few moments on the sideline waving a white flag.

The New York Times - Sports

Testaverde and Hackett, who has taken the blame for miscalculating how many plays could be run in the final 13 seconds, spoke about the ending of the Buffalo game and agreed that both had expected to have time to stop the clock and to figure out one last play -- a play that would have had to produce a touchdown.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to clock out" in professional and casual settings to indicate the end of the workday. Ensure context is clear to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "time to clock out" when referring to breaks or temporary pauses during work. This phrase specifically denotes the end of the work shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to clock out" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the end of a work period. It's a common signal for employees to leave their workplace after completing their shift. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time to clock out" is a common phrase used to indicate the end of a work shift. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare and its usage leans toward neutral to informal contexts, typically found in news and media. Alternatives include "time to leave work" or "end of shift". It's best used when the context clearly refers to the end of a workday, and not just a temporary pause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to leave work

More straightforward way of saying the work day has ended.

time to punch out

Synonymous with "time to clock out", using different terminology for recording work hours.

end of shift

Refers to the conclusion of a work period.

quitting time

Informal way to indicate the end of the work day.

time to go home

Focuses on the action of leaving the workplace.

day's end

Emphasizes the completion of the day's work.

shift over

Indicates the termination of a work shift.

time to wrap up

Suggests finishing ongoing tasks before leaving.

all done for the day

Emphasizes that all required tasks are completed.

job finished

Highlights the completion of a specific job or task.

FAQs

What does "time to clock out" mean?

The phrase "time to clock out" means it's the end of a work shift and an employee can leave.

How to use "time to clock out" in a sentence?

You can say, "After a long day, it's finally "time to clock out" and go home".

What can I say instead of "time to clock out"?

Alternatives include "time to leave work", "time to punch out", or "end of shift".

Is "time to clock out" appropriate for formal communication?

While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "end of shift" might be preferable in certain professional contexts.