a sense of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an understanding of when something should be done or an awareness of the passing of time. For example, "She had a keen sense of time, always arriving to her appointments five minutes early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They don't have a sense of time.

The New York Times - Magazine

It also possesses a sense of time and place.

The New York Times

Motherhood also gave her a sense of time running out.

The Guardian - Film

The detection delay stability in a sense of time deviation of 800 fs has been achieved.

Advances in Space Research

This process allowed Funch to capture a sense of time passing.

The New Yorker

But a sense of time is threaded through everything we perceive.

The New Yorker

Buildings impart a sense of time and place, and attribute human scale to your images.

Independent

And why do we feel so strongly a sense of time as motion?

The Guardian

A good compilation album should evoke a sense of time and place.

The Times

What refinements the apartment had were ephemeral: a sense of time and natural light.

The New York Times

"There's a sense of time running out and I like that dramatically," Warner says.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of time" to describe someone's awareness of how much time is available, or how quickly time is passing. For example, use it to show character development within literature, to emphasize the fleeting nature of moments.

Common error

Don't use "a sense of time" interchangeably with "time management". "A sense of time" refers to the awareness of time itself, while "time management" refers to the skill of using time effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it indicates an awareness or understanding of the passage of time. Many examples showcase this, underlining its role in describing temporal perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of time" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an awareness or perception of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific discussions, indicating its relevance in both general and specialized domains. While the phrase is often used to describe an individual's temporal awareness, it's important not to confuse it with skills like time management. Understanding these nuances will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time awareness

Focuses on the awareness of time rather than a feeling or perception.

time perception

Refers specifically to how time is perceived, often in a psychological or neurological context.

temporal awareness

A more formal and technical term for being aware of time.

urgency of time

Highlights the pressing nature of time, emphasizing its limited availability.

feeling of temporality

Emphasizes the subjective experience of time passing.

awareness of deadlines

Focuses on the understanding and importance of meeting specific time-related goals.

chronological understanding

Implies a structured comprehension of events in their order of occurrence.

appreciation for time's passage

Highlights valuing the movement of time, rather than simply perceiving it.

acute sense of timing

This emphasizes the ability to perfectly coordinate actions with respect to time.

temporal sensitivity

Indicates a heightened ability to detect and respond to changes in time.

FAQs

How can I improve my "a sense of time"?

Practice mindfulness, set realistic deadlines, and regularly check in with the current time to stay grounded. Reducing distractions can also enhance your "time awareness".

What does it mean to have "a sense of time"?

Having "a sense of time" means you have an intuitive understanding of how much time has passed, how long tasks take, and the ability to estimate time accurately.

How is "a sense of time" used in literature?

In literature, "a sense of time" can create atmosphere, build tension, or emphasize character development. Authors use it to control the pacing and emotional impact of their stories. The examples from Ludwig illustrates this purpose perfectly.

What's the difference between "a sense of time" and "a sense of urgency"?

"A sense of time" refers to an awareness of the passage of time, while "a sense of urgency" refers to a feeling of needing to act quickly due to limited time. They are related but distinct concepts.