everything seems temporal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything seems temporal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the fleeting nature of experiences, moments, or existence in general. Example: "In this fast-paced world, everything seems temporal, making us appreciate the present moment even more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Everything seems temporal.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everything seems better".

The New York Times

Everything seems hunky-dory.

Independent

"Everything seems broken".

The New York Times

"Everything seems right here.

The New York Times

"Everything seems to be open.

The New York Times

Everything seems colourful and opulent.

Independent

Instead, everything seems obsessively considered.

The New York Times - Arts

Everything seems longer these days.

The New York Times

Everything seems set fair, but everything also seems to be in doubt.

Independent

Everything seems to crumble.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everything seems temporal" when you want to convey a sense of the fleeting nature of experiences or existence, particularly when contrasting it with something more permanent or stable. This phrase is best suited for reflective or philosophical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "everything seems temporal" when you actually mean "everything seems spatial". "Temporal" refers to time, while "spatial" relates to space. Using them interchangeably will lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything seems temporal" functions as a statement or observation about the perceived nature of reality or experience. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests a transient or impermanent quality to all things. The provided example from The New York Times illustrates this function within a reflective context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everything seems temporal" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression that conveys a sense of transience or impermanence. As noted by Ludwig, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. While its usage is infrequent, it is more commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the slightly formal tone of the word "temporal" and ensure it aligns with the overall style of your writing. Alternatives such as "everything feels fleeting" or "everything is temporary" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is temporary

Substitutes "temporal" with "temporary", providing a more direct and common synonym.

everything feels fleeting

Changes the verb "seems" to "feels" and "temporal" to "fleeting", emphasizing the subjective experience of transience.

everything appears transient

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "temporal" with "transient", offering a more formal tone.

all things are ephemeral

Uses a more poetic and philosophical tone, replacing "everything" with "all things" and "temporal" with "ephemeral".

everything is passing

Uses the verb "passing" to highlight the continuous flow of time and change.

nothing lasts forever

A common idiom expressing the impermanence of things.

everything fades away

Highlights the gradual disappearance or decline of things over time.

everything is subject to change

Focuses on the mutability of things, rather than their fleeting nature.

the world is inconstant

Emphasizes the lack of stability in the world.

all is vanity

A biblical phrase expressing the meaninglessness of earthly pursuits due to their transient nature.

FAQs

What does "everything seems temporal" mean?

The phrase "everything seems temporal" means that everything appears to be related to or affected by time. It suggests that things are not permanent and are subject to change or decay over time.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "everything seems temporal"?

You can use the phrase "everything seems temporal" when discussing the fleeting nature of experiences, moments, or existence in general. It's suitable for reflective or philosophical contexts where you want to emphasize impermanence.

What can I say instead of "everything seems temporal"?

You can use alternatives like "everything feels fleeting", "everything appears transient", or "everything is temporary" depending on the context.

Is "everything seems temporal" grammatically correct?

Yes, "everything seems temporal" is grammatically correct. "Everything" is a pronoun, "seems" is a linking verb, and "temporal" is an adjective describing the state of everything.