across time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe actions or events that have continued over a long period of time. For example, you can say: "The family has shared strong bonds of friendship across time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Transfers across time and space.

The Economist

It merely transfers real wealth across time.

The Economist

This makes comparisons across time unhelpful.

The Economist

Plot and character communicate effortlessly across time.

The New Yorker

His actions will echo across time.

The New York Times

He thought in images, and across time.

The Guardian - Books

Yes, these plays survive across time.

The New York Times

Poetry as a conversation across time.

The Guardian - Books

He underlined the common denominators across time and space.

The New York Times - Books

White racial innocence meanders across time and political context.

The New Yorker

But it's also, perhaps crucially, the difference across time zones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across time" to emphasize continuity or change occurring throughout a specific period or across different eras. For example, "The impact of social media has been felt across time".

Common error

Avoid using "across time" when referring to a single, isolated event. It's better suited for depicting trends, changes, or comparisons that span a duration. If you describe something happening at a single moment, use "at that time" or similar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across time" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate duration, continuity, or comparison spanning a period. Ludwig confirms its usability, showcasing examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, employed to indicate duration, continuity, or comparisons across a period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent across various domains, including News & Media and Science, with a neutral register adaptable to context. Usage tips include emphasizing continuity rather than isolated events. Alternatives such as "over time" and "throughout history" offer similar meanings with nuanced differences. When considering usage of "across time", focus on highlighting a period rather than a specific point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

This alternative focuses on the progression of events during a period.

throughout history

This phrase highlights the historical aspect and extended duration.

in the course of time

This emphasizes the natural progression and unfolding of events.

as time passes

This version focuses on the continuous flow of time.

down through the ages

This suggests a long and continuous period, often with historical significance.

over the years

This alternative highlights a gradual change happening over several years.

during the period

Focuses on defining a specific length of time when something happened.

in due course

Implies that something will happen eventually as time progresses.

with the passage of time

This option underscores that time is moving forward and influencing events.

historically

This adverb form indicates something that happened in the past, especially when studying history.

FAQs

How can I use "across time" in a sentence?

Use "across time" to show how something changes, remains constant, or is compared throughout a period. For instance, "The popularity of certain art styles has varied "across time"."

What are some alternatives to using "across time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "over time", "throughout history", or "in the course of time".

Is it better to use "across time" or "over time"?

Both "across time" and "over time" are correct, but "across time" often emphasizes a comparison or span covering different eras, while "over time" indicates a progression or development.

What's the difference between "across time" and "throughout history"?

"Across time" is a more general phrase that can refer to any period, while "throughout history" specifically refers to historical eras and events.