Recapture lost time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Recapture lost time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the idea of making up for time that has been wasted or lost, often in the context of productivity or personal goals. Example: "After the unexpected delays, we need to find a way to recapture lost time and get back on track with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their skills clearly were diminished and there is a need for faculty to recapture lost time.

The New York Times

It is also entertaining and ultimately touching in its determination to recapture lost time, to portray a younger, more carefree self and to bring back a lost loved one, if only on the page.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

During his lecture on "Swann's Way," when he described Swann's recapturing lost time by biting into the madeleine cookie, a student -- of international affairs, I suppose -- tapped his wristwatch with a finger and protested that no matter what, the seconds ticking off were lost forever.

The New York Times - Magazine

The film is, finally, not so much a recapture of lost time as a history of the way we have felt about lost time.

The New Yorker

And that's exactly what the best boxed sets of compact discs can do, too, recapture a Proustian swatch of lost time: that certain 2 minutes 28 seconds trapped in the aural amber of a 45-r.p.m. single.

The New York Times - Arts

The project recaptured a lost world and a lost time in this country".

The New York Times - Arts

Album title: "Lost Time".

Los Angeles Times

And don't customers get a breakup fee or something? 5. Bounce A Check -- You probably haven't dealt with vulcanized checks since your undergraduate days, so it's time to recapture lost youth.

Forbes

Firstly, he wanted to convince the President that most South Vietnamese units were still intact, and that they still had the time to recapture lost territories.

Wikipedia

The General Motors Corporation, acknowledging that it would not soon recapture lost ground in a glutted market and wary of harder times in the industry, moved today to close up to nine factories that employ tens of thousands of workers.

The New York Times

Media moguls viewed the iPad not as a revolutionary gadget, but a time machine with a square, tabloid shape and apps that would allow them to recapture lost subscribers.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Recapture lost time", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the idea of actively recovering or compensating for missed opportunities or delays. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing a proactive approach to overcoming setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "Recapture lost time" when the situation involves passively waiting for things to improve. This phrase implies active effort, so it's unsuitable for scenarios where recovery is dependent on external factors or chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Recapture lost time" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at recovering or compensating for time that has been missed or wasted. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Recapture lost time" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of actively recovering or compensating for time that has been missed or wasted. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and usable in English. While not extremely common, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral level of formality. Related phrases include "make up for lost time" and "recover lost time", each with subtle nuances in meaning. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it aligns with the context of taking proactive steps to overcome setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make up for lost time

Focuses on compensating for missed opportunities or delays.

Recover lost time

Emphasizes the retrieval and regaining of time that was previously unavailable.

Regain lost time

Highlights the act of getting back time that was previously lost.

Reclaim lost time

Suggests asserting a right or claim over time that was lost.

Catch up on lost time

Implies accelerating progress to reach a desired level after a period of inactivity or delay.

Redeem lost time

Emphasizes the positive transformation of previously wasted time.

Offset lost time

Focuses on counterbalancing the negative effects of lost time.

Recoup lost time

Suggests recovering something of value, in this case, time, after a loss.

Get back on track

Focuses on returning to the intended course of action after a disruption.

Turn back the clock

Implies returning to a previous state or time period, often to correct past mistakes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "Recapture lost time" in a sentence?

Use "Recapture lost time" when you want to emphasize the active process of recovering or making up for missed opportunities. For example: "After the unexpected delays, we need to find a way to "recapture lost time" and get back on track with the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "Recapture lost time"?

You can use alternatives like "make up for lost time", "recover lost time", or "get back on track" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference in meaning between "Recapture lost time" and "Recover lost time"?

While both phrases are similar, ""recapture lost time"" suggests a more proactive and deliberate effort to regain what was lost, whereas "recover lost time" can imply a more general sense of retrieval.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "Recapture lost time"?

Avoid using "Recapture lost time" in situations where the loss is permanent or irreversible. It's best suited for scenarios where active effort can genuinely compensate for the time that was missed. If the time is definitely lost you may choose phrases such as "come to terms with the past".