a function of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a function of time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that changes, is affected, or is dependent on the passage of time. For example: "A person's level of maturity is a function of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's just a function of time".

The New York Times - Sports

This, though, may just be a function of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Novel language can be a function of time as well as of space.

The New Yorker

Of his decision, Mangini said, "it was really a function of time more than anything else".

The New York Times - Sports

Sound, for example, is a phenomenon that changes as a function of time.

The New Yorker

Work, he decided, was a function of time spent, mental effort and judgment, technical skill and physical effort, and stress.

The New Yorker

The idea of heaviness as a function of time also turns the word "gravity" to its metaphorical meaning.

The New York Times - Arts

The plot of the detector response as a function of time is a chromatogram.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's really just a function of time.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Figure 1 The error as a function of time.

Advances in Difference Equations

The electrical signals were recorded as a function of time.

Cancer Nanotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, specify the units of time (seconds, minutes, hours, etc.) when describing processes that are "a function of time" to provide precision and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a function of time" when the relationship is more nuanced or involves multiple variables. If other factors significantly influence the outcome, acknowledge them instead of solely attributing it to time. For example, instead of saying "Success is a function of time", consider "Success is a function of time, effort, and strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a function of time" serves as an adverbial phrase, indicating that something is dependent on or changes in relation to time. According to Ludwig, this is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a function of time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the dependence of something on the passage of time. As shown by Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate that a variable or process evolves, changes, or is determined by temporal factors. It's most common in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being affected by time and avoid oversimplifying complex relationships. Alternatives include "dependent on the passage of time" or "changes over time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on the passage of time

Emphasizes the dependency on the progression of time.

changes over time

Highlights the alteration or transformation that occurs as time progresses.

varies with time

Indicates a relationship where the value or state fluctuates in accordance with time.

evolves with time

Suggests a gradual development or unfolding as time advances.

a time-dependent process

Frames the concept as a process that is specifically governed or influenced by time.

determined by the time elapsed

Focuses on how the duration of time directly influences the outcome.

a result of temporal progression

Highlights that the outcome is a consequence of the advancement of time.

influenced by the course of time

Emphasizes the impact of time's trajectory on something.

shaped by the timeline

Indicates that something is molded or influenced by events occurring on a timeline.

correlates with the time frame

Suggests a relationship where the duration of time is associated with a specific outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a function of time" to describe something that changes, depends, or varies with the passage of time. For example, "The battery life of the device is "a function of time" and usage."

What are some alternatives to "a function of time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dependent on time", "varies with time", or "changes over time".

Is it correct to say something is "a function of time", or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "a function of time" is grammatically correct. You can also use phrases like "dependent on time" or "related to time" to express a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "a function of time" and "over time"?

"A function of time" implies a direct relationship where a variable's value is determined by time. "Over time" simply means as time passes, without necessarily implying a mathematical relationship. For example, "The price increased over time", but "The distance traveled is "a function of time and speed"".