watch the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

"watch the clock" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to keep track of the time or to monitor the passing of time. You can use this phrase in any situation where time is important or a deadline needs to be met. Here is an example: "I have a meeting at 3 PM, so I need to watch the clock and make sure I leave the house on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't watch the clock.

Harvard University

I never watch the clock.

The New York Times

And we'd watch the clock.

The Washington Post

Others simply watch the clock.

The New York Times

"We watch the clock," she said.

The New York Times

There's no best time to watch "The Clock".

The New Yorker

Clear the crease, clear the zone, watch the clock.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, she expected to watch "The Clock" for at least two hours.

The New Yorker

A lot of doormen don't — they watch the clock and the night destroys them.

The New York Times

I try not to watch the clock as we wait for word of my sister.

The New York Times - Health

"And I watch the clock," Melissa says, knowing that most doctors believe fertility begins a hasty decline after age 35.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watch the clock" to express anticipation, boredom, or a desire for time to pass quickly, especially when waiting for a specific event or deadline.

Common error

Avoid using "watch the clock" when you simply mean to check the time for informational purposes. Instead, use phrases like "check the time" or "see what time it is" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watch the clock" functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying a sense of anticipation, boredom, or impatience related to the passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to describe monitoring time with a specific end in mind. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "watch the clock" is a very common idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of anticipation, boredom, or impatience related to the passage of time. As Ludwig AI states, it means to keep track of time or to monitor the passing of time. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for neutral registers. Alternatives such as "keep an eye on the time" or "count down the minutes" can be used to express similar sentiments. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the subjective experience of waiting and isn't merely a literal reference to checking the time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep an eye on the time

Focuses on general time awareness, without necessarily implying boredom or anticipation.

monitor the time

Emphasizes a systematic tracking of time, often in a professional or regulated setting.

track the hours

Highlights the passage of hours, particularly when waiting for something to happen.

count down the minutes

Implies a more urgent or impatient anticipation of a specific moment.

mark time

Suggests a passive approach to time, often when there's little else to do.

observe the schedule

Stresses the importance of adherence to a planned timeline.

check the timetable

Focuses on verifying planned times for events or tasks.

keep track of the schedule

Emphasizes maintaining awareness of a pre-arranged sequence of activities.

note the elapsed time

Highlights the measurement of the amount of time that has passed.

be mindful of the deadline

Focuses on the awareness of an approaching limit

FAQs

What does it mean to "watch the clock"?

To "watch the clock" means to pay close attention to the time, often because you are bored, eager for something to happen, or waiting for a specific event or deadline.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "watch the clock"?

It's appropriate to use "watch the clock" when you want to convey a sense of impatience, anticipation, or boredom while waiting for time to pass. It implies more than simply checking the time.

What are some alternatives to "watch the clock"?

You can use alternatives like "keep an eye on the time", "monitor the time", or "count down the minutes" depending on the specific context.

Is "watch the clock" a formal or informal expression?

"Watch the clock" is generally considered an informal expression and is suitable for everyday conversation and writing. It may not be appropriate for highly formal or professional contexts where more precise language is preferred.