caught in time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "caught in time" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a moment or a situation that is captured or frozen in time. Example: The old photograph showed the couple caught in time, smiling and holding hands in front of the Eiffel Tower. In this sentence, "caught in time" is used to describe the moment captured in the old photograph, emphasizing its timelessness and significance. Another example: The artist's painting seemed to have captured the essence of the sunset, frozen and caught in time on the canvas. Here, "caught in time" is used to describe the captured moment of the sunset, emphasizing its beauty and timelessness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The former offers much greater energy efficiency, says Deilmann, while the latter can help prevent a boiler from failing outright because problems can be more easily caught in time.

TechCrunch

He is caught in time.

The Guardian - Books

Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics if caught in time.

The New York Times - Health

This work is like seeing someone under a bell jar, completely caught in time".

The New York Times - Arts

As the stylebook notes, it's "a cappella" (this was caught in time for print).

The New York Times

If left untreated or not caught in time, surrounding muscle wastes away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In its cover story this week, Time magazine sees "an electorate caught in times of harrowing change -- when the day starts with a choice of 15 kinds of coffee and five ways to get your e-mail".

The New York Times

Civilians caught in times of war band together and find community and emotional warmth they report not having known in any other way.

Huffington Post

And for those who don't, just like a seeded company that hasn't found product-market fit, they'll be left to eke out their runway and hope that something catches in time.

TechCrunch

Trying to crush or squash the egg sacs may release a flurry of tiny little baby spiders, which you will probably be unable to catch in time.

WikiHow

The building is not caught in a time warp, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "caught in time" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or timelessness, particularly when describing places, photographs, or works of art that seem unchanged by the passage of years.

Common error

Avoid using "caught in time" when you mean simply "happened at a specific time". This phrase suggests something is preserved or frozen, not just that it occurred.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "caught in time" is that of a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in depicting scenes, objects, or even people as existing outside the normal flow of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "caught in time" effectively captures the essence of something being frozen or preserved in a specific moment. Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide applicability, ranging from describing physical objects and locations to conveying abstract concepts like historical periods and emotional states. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When writing, consider using this phrase to evoke feelings of nostalgia, timelessness, or the stark contrast between the present and a specific point in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frozen in time

Replaces "caught" with "frozen", emphasizing immobility and preservation.

preserved in time

Replaces "caught" with "preserved", highlighting the act of being kept intact.

retained by time

Emphasizes the role of time in maintaining something's state.

stuck in the past

Shifts focus to being unable to move forward from a previous era.

trapped in an era

Highlights the feeling of being confined to a particular period.

a snapshot in history

Presents a specific moment or event as a representation of a broader historical period.

living in the past

Focuses on actively existing as if the present were a past era.

a relic of the past

Presents something as an artifact from a previous era.

a fragment of the past

Highlights a small part of something that existed previously.

historical artifact

Emphasizes the historical significance of something from the past.

FAQs

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

Use "caught in time" to describe something that appears unchanged by the passage of years, evoking a sense of nostalgia or timelessness. For example, "The old photograph showed the village "caught in time", with its quaint houses and cobblestone streets."

What is a similar phrase to "caught in time"?

Similar phrases include "frozen in time", "preserved in time", or "stuck in the past". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "caught in time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "caught in time" is grammatically correct. "Caught" is the past participle of "catch", and "in time" functions as an adverbial phrase.

What is the difference between "caught in time" and "a historical artifact"?

"Caught in time" suggests something is preserved and unchanged, while "a historical artifact" emphasizes its significance as an object from the past. While an artifact might be "caught in time", the phrase highlights its state of preservation.