changing the clocks vs changing of the clocks

Both "changing the clocks" and "changing of the clocks" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Changing the clocks" is more commonly used and refers to the action of adjusting the time on clocks, while "changing of the clocks" is less common and tends to be used in a more formal or poetic context.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 814 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the action of adjusting the time on clocks.

"changing the clocks"

This phrase is used to describe the act of adjusting the time on clocks, typically during daylight saving time changes or when transitioning between time zones.

Examples:

Don't forget to change the clocks tonight for daylight saving time.
I need to change the clocks in the house after traveling to a different time zone.
Changing the clocks twice a year can be confusing for some people.
We always change the clocks in the office on the same day.
The task of changing the clocks is easier now with digital clocks.

Show examples from the web [+]

I come to the second point: the implication of changing the clocks.
Surveys show that 79 % of the public are opposed to changing the clocks.
For my part, two points must be tackled: application of the subsidiarity principle and the implication of changing the clocks.
Subject: Legal circumstances of changing the clocks
The experts' conclusion is unequivocal: changing the clocks is bad for health, particularly for young children suffering from chronic illnesses.
Does the Commission intend to carry out surveys in the Member States to determine whether changing the clocks is justified?
However, I would like to focus attention on this ritual of changing the clocks every spring and autumn, the purpose of which may be controversial.
Nevertheless, I will say quite openly that there are more advantages than disadvantages in favour of changing the clocks and in favour of keeping the summer time arrangements as they currently stand.
What view does it take of the fact that further countries have decided to abandon the practice of changing the clocks?
Do any up-to-date studies support the practice of changing the clocks twice a year, which severely disrupts the daily lives of EU citizens?
Subject: Changing clocks in the Member States
I have been contacted by a constituent who believes that there would be numerous economic and social benefits if the UK were to abolish the ritual of changing clocks in March and October but remain on British Summer Time.
Since last year, I am pleased to note that clock changing dates have been completely harmonized.
It was a French initiative, in the early 80s, to ensure that clock changing dates were harmonized at Community level, once summer-time had been adopted by all Member States.
Where I can monitor him around the clock.
You're off the clock now, and look what you're doing.
The clocks went back last night.
The clock... it was a good idea.
Hidden inside the clock All those years.
31 miles on the clock overnight.

Alternatives:

adjusting the clocks
setting the clocks
resetting the clocks
turning back the clocks
moving the clocks forward

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is more formal or poetic in style.

"changing of the clocks"

This phrase is used in a more formal or poetic context to describe the act of adjusting the time on clocks, often in a ceremonial or symbolic way.

Examples:

The changing of the clocks marked the beginning of a new era.
He wrote a poem about the changing of the clocks in the town square.
The changing of the clocks was a tradition passed down through generations.
The ceremony included the changing of the clocks to signify the end of an era.
In his speech, he referred to the changing of the clocks as a symbol of progress.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, I would like to focus attention on this ritual of changing the clocks every spring and autumn, the purpose of which may be controversial.
For my part, two points must be tackled: application of the subsidiarity principle and the implication of changing the clocks.
Subject: Legal circumstances of changing the clocks
Nevertheless, I will say quite openly that there are more advantages than disadvantages in favour of changing the clocks and in favour of keeping the summer time arrangements as they currently stand.
I come to the second point: the implication of changing the clocks.
What view does it take of the fact that further countries have decided to abandon the practice of changing the clocks?
Do any up-to-date studies support the practice of changing the clocks twice a year, which severely disrupts the daily lives of EU citizens?
Surveys show that 79 % of the public are opposed to changing the clocks.
The experts' conclusion is unequivocal: changing the clocks is bad for health, particularly for young children suffering from chronic illnesses.
Does the Commission intend to carry out surveys in the Member States to determine whether changing the clocks is justified?
Subject: Changing clocks in the Member States
I have been contacted by a constituent who believes that there would be numerous economic and social benefits if the UK were to abolish the ritual of changing clocks in March and October but remain on British Summer Time.
Since last year, I am pleased to note that clock changing dates have been completely harmonized.
It was a French initiative, in the early 80s, to ensure that clock changing dates were harmonized at Community level, once summer-time had been adopted by all Member States.
Where I can monitor him around the clock.
You're off the clock now, and look what you're doing.
The clocks went back last night.
The clock... it was a good idea.
Hidden inside the clock All those years.
31 miles on the clock overnight.

Alternatives:

adjusting the clocks ceremoniously
the ceremonial changing of the clocks
symbolic changing of the clocks
formal clock adjustment
clock time transition

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changing the clocks vs changing of the clocks