flash of times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flash of times" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a poetic or metaphorical context to describe brief moments or memories from the past. Example: "In a flash of times, I remember the laughter we shared during our summer adventures."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Savage wrote England's Dreaming, published in 1991 and still the strongest history of punk, which covered a similarly fast-moving flash of time.

The Guardian - Books

He is refreshingly aware that one's interpretations of this vast and elusive country will always change according to the angle of one's vision and the flash of time one is observing.

The New York Times - Books

Especially forgive your parents for their reprimands and restrictions and know that in a flash of time you will be in their place with children of your own.

Los Angeles Times

Even in 20 months (far from a flash of time), hedge funds can make improvements with long-lasting impact, similar to a consultant or turnaround specialist hired for a few months.

Huffington Post

"Sčasovka" has no strict English equivalent, but John Tyrrell, a leading specialist on Janáček's music, describes it as "a little flash of time, almost a kind of musical capsule, which Janáček often used in slow music as tiny swift motifs with remarkably characteristic rhythms that are supposed to pepper the musical flow".

Wikipedia

Purpose can be fulfilled in a flash of time.

WikiHow

The only place in the universe where QGP exists is inside high-speed accelerators, for the briefest flashes of time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On a clear day, you can see modernity -- or much of it -- in quick flashes of time and space.

The New York Times - Arts

The strength of the current exhibition lies in the power of these memories and in the photographic flashes of time in which the unthinkable remains frozen.

The New York Times - Arts

Furthermore, we showed that the creation of a predictive signal on the apparent motion trace is spatio-temporally specific: Targets flashed on the apparent motion trace in-time with the illusory motion token are detected better than that flashed out-of-time (Schwiedrzik et al. 2007; Vetter et al. 2012).

Cerebral Cortex

"You say the word Pulse and it's like a flash of happy times.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "flash of time" or "flashes of time" instead, as these are more grammatically sound and commonly used expressions.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "flash of times" as it incorrectly pluralizes "time" in this context. Opt for singular forms like "flash of time" or rephrase to use "flashes of time/moments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash of times" functions as a noun phrase, though its non-standard construction affects its grammatical correctness. Ludwig shows alternative phrasings are more conventionally used and accepted.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flash of times" is not a standard or grammatically correct expression in English. While the intention might be to describe brief moments, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "flash of time" or "flashes of time" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy. Ludwig highlights that more conventional phrasings are generally preferred in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting moments

Emphasizes the transience and brevity of the moments, differing from the potential intensity implied by "flash".

brief glimpses

Focuses on the visual aspect and the short duration of the viewing experience.

quick instances

Highlights the rapidity and singularity of the occurrences.

short periods

Refers to a limited duration of time, lacking the suddenness suggested by "flash".

passing episodes

Suggests events that occur and fade away quickly, often implying a lack of significance.

transient phases

Highlights the temporary nature of stages or periods, often in a developmental context.

ephemeral instances

Stresses the fleeting and almost unreal quality of the occurrences.

momentary blips

Indicates very short, often insignificant interruptions or deviations.

split-second occurrences

Emphasizes the extremely short duration of the events.

rapid intervals

Highlights the speed and limited space between events.

FAQs

Is "flash of times" grammatically correct?

No, "flash of times" is not grammatically correct. A more appropriate phrasing would be "flash of time" or "flashes of time".

What does "flash of time" mean?

The phrase "flash of time" refers to a brief, sudden moment or period. It suggests something that occurs quickly and is often fleeting.

Can I use "flash of times" in a sentence?

While not grammatically standard, if you intend to convey multiple distinct moments, consider using "flashes of time" instead. This alternative is more widely accepted and understood.

What are some alternatives to "flash of times"?

Better alternatives include "flash of time", "flashes of time", "fleeting moment", or "brief instant" depending on the context.