Time will tell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Time will tell" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the outcome of a situation will become clear only after some time has passed. Example: "We have made our predictions for the future of the project, but time will tell if we were right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time will tell.

The New York Times

Time will tell on them.

The New Yorker

"Time will tell," he said.

The New Yorker

"Time will tell," Outerbridge said.

The New Yorker

Time will tell, perhaps.

The Guardian

Time will tell, gentlemen.

The New Yorker

Time will tell that".

The New York Times

Time will tell for the A's.

The New Yorker

Time will tell, but not this book.

The Economist

Time will tell how long it lasts.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're assessing the project time will tell.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context; while generally appropriate, it might sound cliché in overly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "the future will reveal" in those cases.

Common error

Avoid using "Time will tell" to refer to something that has already happened. The phrase is strictly forward-looking; for past events, use phrases like "history has shown" or "the results proved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Time will tell" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express uncertainty about future outcomes. It serves as a placeholder indicating that the true result or answer will only be revealed with the passage of time. Ludwig AI examples highlight its use in various situations where predictions or decisions are made, but the final outcome is yet unknown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Time will tell" is a common idiomatic expression used to express uncertainty about future outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in News & Media contexts. It functions to defer judgment, acknowledging that only the passage of time will reveal the truth or result. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be appropriate in certain academic or professional settings. Remember to use "Time will tell" to refer only to forward-looking events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Only time will reveal

Emphasizes that the answer is hidden until time passes.

The future will show

Directly points to the future as the source of revelation.

We'll see what happens

A more casual way of expressing uncertainty about the outcome.

The answer lies in the future

Highlights that the resolution is yet to come.

The outcome remains to be seen

Focuses on the unresolved nature of the situation.

Only the unfolding events will tell

More elaborate emphasizing on the course of events.

It remains to be seen

A formal and concise alternative.

Events will reveal the truth

Focuses on events as the driver of the reveal.

The truth will emerge in due course

Suggests a natural and inevitable revealing of the truth.

The results will become apparent later

Underlines the temporal aspect of gaining clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "Time will tell" in a sentence?

You can use "Time will tell" to express that the outcome or truth of a situation will only be revealed in the future. For example, "The experts disagree about the new policy's effectiveness, but "time will tell" if it truly works".

What does "Time will tell" mean?

"Time will tell" is an idiomatic expression that means the outcome or the truth about something will become clear as time passes. It expresses uncertainty about the future and suggests that only the unfolding of events will provide the answer.

What are some alternatives to "Time will tell"?

Alternatives to "Time will tell" include phrases like "only time will reveal", "the future will show", or "it remains to be seen". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "Time will tell" formal or informal?

"Time will tell" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might consider more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.