but in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'but in time' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation will eventually improve or change with passage of time. For example: "The process was very complex, but in time, we were able to make significant progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But in time I gained their friendship".

The New York Times

But in time there might be.

The Economist

"But in time I would abandon it".

The New Yorker

But in time to win in 2016?

Independent

But in time it will happen.

The Economist

But in time it may encourage smuggling.

The Economist

But in time this may change.

The Economist

But in time we may.

The Guardian

But in time, his message sunk in.

Harvard Business Review

But, in time, their children thrived.

The Guardian

But in time, the surface cracks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but in time" to offer a sense of hope or eventual resolution in a situation that currently seems challenging. It softens the immediate impact of negative circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "but in time" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and predictable. Vary your language by using alternatives like "eventually" or "in due course" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but in time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or event will occur. It often introduces a contrast, suggesting a change or development over a period. Ludwig provides many examples of its common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but in time" serves as an adverbial phrase that indicates something will occur or improve as time passes. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions like "eventually" or "in due course" in more formal settings. Using "but in time" offers reassurance or a sense of eventual resolution, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

A short and more direct alternative, focusing on gradual change.

eventually

Single word alternative, focusing on the idea of something happening at a later point.

in due course

Formal alternative, highlighting that something will happen when the time is right.

sooner or later

Emphasizes the inevitability of the event, regardless of the specific timing.

with the passage of time

More descriptive and emphasizes the role of time in the development.

as time goes on

Similar to "with the passage of time", focusing on the ongoing nature of time.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when conditions are completely ready.

down the line

More informal, suggesting something will happen at some point in the future.

in the long run

Focuses on the eventual outcome after a considerable period.

by and by

An old-fashioned alternative, implying a gradual development.

FAQs

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

Use "but in time" to indicate that something will improve or become clear as time passes. For example, "The task seemed daunting at first, but in time, I mastered it."

What can I say instead of "but in time"?

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

Is it always appropriate to use "but in time"?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "in due course" might be more suitable than "but in time".

What's the difference between "but in time" and "eventually"?

"Eventually" simply means at some later time, while "but in time" implies a contrast between a current state and a future state that will develop as time passes. For example, "He was initially hesitant, but in time, he grew confident" suggests a transformation that "eventually" happened.