across different timelines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across different timelines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing events, narratives, or concepts that occur in various time periods or alternate realities. Example: "The story explores the impact of a single decision across different timelines, revealing how small choices can lead to vastly different outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And again, we have a missing children mystery splintered across different timelines (1980, 1990 and 2015) that artificially prolong a mystery creepy straw dolls withstanding.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our achievements, while complementary, have had different timelines and objectives.

The New York Times

Then there are the starkly different timelines being used in Washington and on the ground.

The New York Times

Avatars of the main characters appear in different timelines with slightly different names, and perform versions of the same action.

The Guardian - Books

Jess – What effect were you trying to accomplish in Tape with the flicking back and forwards through the different timelines?

The Guardian

4. (S) GOI officials have given different timelines for when they believe Iran will have full enrichment capability.

The Guardian

The two Democratic candidates, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, have proposed more rapid withdrawals of troops, though on different timelines.

The New York Times

Fig. 22 (a-f) compares different timelines of examined signals.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

But it's also one of the hardest to pin down, with different lines of evidence pointing to different timelines.

Science Magazine

We can use them in different timelines.

Huffington Post

So maybe that stuff contributed to different timelines".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction involving time travel or alternate histories, use "across different timelines" to clearly indicate that events are occurring in multiple, distinct temporal settings. This helps to avoid confusion and maintains narrative clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "across different timelines" when simply referring to a sequence of events in a single, continuous timeframe. Use phrases like "throughout the project" or "during the year" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across different timelines" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It typically describes the scope or range of an event, narrative, or concept across multiple, distinct temporal contexts. This is supported by Ludwig, indicating it's correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across different timelines" is a grammatically correct and relatively common prepositional phrase used to describe events, narratives, or concepts that occur in multiple distinct temporal settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly valid and can be used without reservation. Its use is prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the existence of multiple distinct temporal settings. Related phrases include "through multiple time periods" and "in different eras". Avoid using the phrase when referring to simple sequences of events. Overall, understanding the nuances of "across different timelines" helps ensure clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through distinct historical periods

Emphasizes that different historical periods are being compared or contrasted.

in different eras

Focuses on well-defined and recognized periods in history.

through multiple time periods

Emphasizes the progression or movement through distinct time segments.

in separate instances in time

Highlights individual occurrences at various points in time.

in varying timeframes

Focuses on the different durations or periods involved.

across a spectrum of time

Implies consideration of a continuous range of time periods.

across diverging temporal paths

Suggests separate and increasingly distinct time-related trajectories.

spanning various epochs

Highlights a broad range of historical or geological times.

in alternate realities

Shifts the focus to hypothetical or fictional timelines that diverge from reality.

in parallel universes

Suggests events occurring in separate, co-existing realities.

FAQs

How can "across different timelines" be used in a sentence?

You can use "across different timelines" to describe events or narratives that span multiple distinct temporal settings. For example, "The movie explores the consequences of choices "across different timelines".".

What phrases are similar to "across different timelines"?

Similar phrases include "through multiple time periods", "in different eras", or "in alternate realities", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "across different timelines" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing when discussing complex scenarios involving multiple temporal settings or alternate histories. Ensure that its use aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

When should I avoid using "across different timelines"?

Avoid using it when referring to a simple sequence of events within a single, continuous timeframe. Alternatives like "throughout" or "during" are more appropriate in those situations.