1 B2 neutral
For time to continue passing, often while someone waits or without anything significant happening.
"Time ticked on and still no decision had been made by the committee."
inseparable
tick on
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
For time to continue passing steadily.
In plain English
Time just keeps going forward.
What does "tick on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For a clock to keep ticking forward — transparent.
Actually means
Time just keeps going forward.
Usage tip
Less common than 'tick away' or 'tick by'. Primarily British English. Used to describe the passage of time, often in contexts of waiting or slow progress. The subject is typically 'time', 'the clock', or a unit of time.
Words that pair with "tick on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time clock hours minutes years life
How to conjugate "tick on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tick on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ticks on
he/she/it
Past simple
ticked on
yesterday
Past participle
ticked on
have + pp
-ing form
ticking on
continuous
Hear "tick on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tick on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tick on"
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