after time

USAGE SUMMARY

"after time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular amount of time that has elapsed. For example, "We have been friends for many years, but after time, we drifted apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time after time.

The New Yorker

Time after time, we are disappointed.

The New York Times

Time after time, love lets her down.

The New York Times - Books

I found myself jolted time after time.

Independent

"It's happened time after time after time," he said.

The New York Times

"It happened time after time.

The Guardian - Books

Now, After, time is pretty short".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Time after time you'll lose out".

The New York Times

And so we do, time after time.

The New York Times

Time after time they were penalised.

The Guardian - Sport

Andre Watson penalised them time after time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after time" to indicate a point when something changes or evolves as a result of elapsed time. For example, "After time, his perspective shifted."

Common error

Avoid using "after time" when you mean "on time". "On time" means punctual, while "after time" indicates a change or development occurring later.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after time" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a temporal relationship, specifying that an event or change occurs following a period. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "after time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI. It signifies a temporal relationship, indicating that an event or change happens following a duration. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. When using "after time", remember that it implies a transformation due to the passage of time, differentiating it from similar phrases like "in time" or "later". It's essential to use it accurately to convey the intended meaning of a sequence of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as time goes on

Highlights ongoing development.

later on

Indicates a simple progression in time.

eventually

Highlights that something will occur at an unspecified later time.

following a period

Emphasizes the sequence of events after a duration.

subsequently

Focuses on the immediate sequence, omitting duration.

in due course

Suggests events will unfold naturally over time.

with the passage of time

Focuses on the continuous flow of time leading to a change.

down the line

Indicates future events occurring later.

in the fullness of time

Suggests something will happen when the moment is right.

in the aftermath

Focuses on events immediately subsequent to a specific occurence.

FAQs

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

Use "after time" to indicate a change or event that occurs following a period. For example, "After time, the initial excitement wore off".

What's the difference between "after time" and "later"?

"Later" simply indicates a subsequent point, whereas "after time" suggests a transformation or development as a result of the elapsed duration.

Which is correct, "after time" or "in time"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "In time" means eventually or before it's too late, while "after time" signifies something happening following a duration.

What can I say instead of "after time"?

You can use alternatives like "eventually", "in due course", or "as time goes on" depending on the specific context.