What are the definitions of “tick along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make reasonable progress without any serious problems.
Things are TICKING ALONG at work while the director's away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tick along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tick along is to make reasonable progress without any serious problems. It is often used to describe a situation or process that is going smoothly and without any major issues.
What are the different verb forms of “tick along”?
| Root Verb | tick along |
| Third Person Singular Present | ticks along |
| Present Participle | ticking along |
| Simple Past | ticked along |
| Past Participle | ticked along |
Example
The project is ticking along nicely, and we should finish on time.
Example
The business ticks along even when the boss is on vacation.
Example
Everything is ticking along smoothly at the event.
Example
The meeting ticked along without any problems.
Example
The project has ticked along well, despite some minor setbacks.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tick along”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“tick along” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The party ticked along without any issues.
Example
Life ticked along as usual.
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
“tick along” 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
The party ticked along without any issues.
Example
Life ticked along as usual.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tick along”?
Good things to know
Does “tick along” have an informal or formal tone?
Tick along is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or written reports.
