What are the definitions of “clock up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To accumulate or record.
Apparently he had clocked up nine points and would have been banned if he'd been caught again.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clock up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clock up is to accumulate or record something, such as points, miles, or hours. It is often used when talking about reaching a certain number or amount of something over time.
What are the different verb forms of “clock up”?
| Root Verb | clock up |
| Third Person Singular Present | clocks up |
| Present Participle | clocking up |
| Simple Past | clocked up |
| Past Participle | clocked up |
Example
She tries to clock up at least 10,000 steps every day.
Example
He clocks up many hours of practice each week.
Example
They are clocking up miles on their road trip.
Example
Last year, she clocked up 500 hours of volunteer work.
Example
He has clocked up a lot of experience in his field.
What kind of phrasal verb is “clock up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“clock up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She clocked up 50 hours of community service.
Example
He clocked up 100 miles on his bike.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“clock up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She clocked up 50 hours of community service.
Example
He clocked up 100 miles on his bike.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clock up”?
Clock up hours
To accumulate a certain number of hours, often related to work or practice.
Example
He clocked up many hours studying for the exam.
Clock up miles/kilometers
To accumulate a certain distance, often related to travel or exercise.
Example
She clocked up 1,000 miles on her road trip.
Clock up points
To accumulate points, often related to a game, competition, or driving violations.
Example
He clocked up enough points to win the game.
Good things to know
Does “clock up” have an informal or formal tone?
Clock up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in reports or presentations, depending on the specific context.
