Flow of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Flow of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss the concept of time as a continuous progression or movement, often in philosophical or literary contexts. Example: "In her novel, the author explores the flow of time and how it affects the characters' lives and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That "reverses the flow of time," in a way.

MIT Technology Review

Mirror-reading can reverse the flow of time.

Cornell University

A gentle silence descended on them, suggestive of the flow of time.

The New York Times - Books

Now he had slipped her, as in a burial at sea, beneath the flow of time.

The New Yorker

The central experience of "The Immigrant" is the flow of time.

The New Yorker

No number of court orders can reverse the flow of time.

The New Yorker

Labor Day is a traditional marker in an increasingly nontraditional flow of time.

The New York Times

Repetition and a glacial flow of time worked in our favor.

The New York Times - Arts

Reversing the flow of time, we come to 1944 and the rustling backwoods of Spain.

The New Yorker

The flow of time, he implies, is simply a matter of statistics.

The Guardian - Books

(2) Is there a scientific explanation of the flow of time?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "flow of time" when discussing philosophical concepts, historical narratives, or the subjective experience of time passing. It adds a sense of continuity and movement to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flow of time" in contexts where a literal, measurable rate of time is needed. Instead, use terms like "time elapsed" or "duration" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the concept of time as a continuous, moving entity, as exemplified by Ludwig's numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow of time" is a versatile expression used to describe the continuous progression of time across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources indicates its suitability for both formal and informal discourse. When writing, remember that while "flow of time" captures the continuous and dynamic nature of time, alternative phrases like "passage of time" or "progression of time" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Using "flow of time" adds depth and a sense of movement to discussions about time's impact on events and experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Passage of time

Focuses on the movement or progression of time.

Progression of time

Emphasizes the sequential and forward-moving aspect of time.

March of time

Suggests a steady and relentless advance of time.

Course of time

Highlights the path or trajectory that time follows.

Advancement of time

Stresses the forward movement and evolution associated with time.

Unfolding of time

Implies a gradual revelation or unfolding of events as time progresses.

Sweep of time

Suggests a broad and encompassing view of time's influence.

Continuum of time

Emphasizes the unbroken and continuous nature of time.

Stream of time

Uses a metaphor of flowing water to represent the continuous nature of time.

Timeline

More concrete representation of time's sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "flow of time" in a sentence?

You can use "flow of time" to describe the continuous progression of events, such as, "The novel explores how memory distorts the "flow of time"".

What phrases are similar to "flow of time"?

Alternatives include "passage of time", "progression of time", or "course of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "flow of time" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "flow of time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in more reflective or philosophical discussions.

Can "flow of time" be reversed?

In a literal sense, the "flow of time" cannot be reversed. However, the concept of reversing time is a common theme in science fiction and theoretical physics.