working against the clock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working against the clock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is under pressure to complete a task within a limited timeframe. Example: "With the deadline approaching, we are really working against the clock to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

She was working against the clock.

The New York Times

"I'm totally working against the clock.

The New York Times

But it's not easy working against the clock when you're trying to foretell the future.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Aid agencies in Badakhshan are working against the clock to save lives.

The Guardian

In any case, Mr. Bush and Mr. Bremer are now working against the clock and the tide of expectations.

The New York Times

Rescuers were working against the clock yesterday to save two climbers marooned high on the Himalayan peak of Nanga Parbat.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Big Miracle" gets off to a shaky start, but once revved up, it becomes an involving work-against-the-clock-and-the-odds action movie.

The New York Times

The film "gets off to a shaky start, but once revved up it becomes an involving work-against-the-clock-and-the-odds action movie," Rachel Saltz wrote in The New York Times in February.

The New York Times

After the final performance, on a Saturday, carpenters will work against the clock to restore St George's to its original state – ready for service on Sunday morning.

The Guardian

Some New York City teachers report a renewed rigor in study hall, where students work against the clock to finish their night's assignments.

The New York Times

I set a high standard of what I hand in and I put that down to never having to work against the clock.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action being performed under pressure, pair "working against the clock" with verbs that emphasize effort, such as 'racing', 'struggling', or 'hustling'.

Common error

While "working against the clock" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. In those contexts, consider more nuanced phrases like "operating under time constraints" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working against the clock" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It modifies the verb by adding the element of urgency and time pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "working against the clock" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations involving urgency and time constraints. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While it conveys a sense of pressure and the need for quick action, it is important to consider the formality of the writing context and choose more precise alternatives if necessary. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Racing against time

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of needing to finish before time runs out.

Up against the deadline

Highlights the pressure imposed by an impending deadline.

Under a time constraint

Focuses on the limitation of time available.

Pressed for time

Indicates a lack of sufficient time to complete a task comfortably.

Struggling to meet the deadline

Emphasizes the difficulty in completing something on time.

In a time crunch

Highlights the stress and pressure caused by the limited time available.

Against the ticking clock

More dramatic and emphasizes the relentless passing of time.

Operating on a tight schedule

Focuses on adhering to a strict and limited timeframe.

In haste

Indicates acting quickly and possibly carelessly due to lack of time.

Expediting the process

Focuses on accelerating the completion of a task or project.

FAQs

How can I use "working against the clock" in a sentence?

You can use "working against the clock" to describe situations where there is pressure to complete something quickly, such as, "The team is "working against the clock" to meet the project deadline".

What are some alternatives to "working against the clock"?

Alternatives include "racing against time", "pressed for time", or "under a time constraint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "working against the clock" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "working against the clock" is more suitable for general or news contexts. For formal writing, consider phrases like "operating under time constraints" or "expediting the process".

What does it mean to be "working against the clock"?

To be "working against the clock" means you are under pressure to complete a task quickly because you have a limited amount of time available. It implies a sense of urgency and the potential for negative consequences if the task is not completed on time.