flow of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"flow of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to the passing of time. For example: "The flow of time carries us all inexorably to our eventual end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That "reverses the flow of time," in a way.

MIT Technology Review

Mirror-reading can reverse the flow of time.

Cornell University

A gentle silence descended on them, suggestive of the flow of time.

The New York Times - Books

Now he had slipped her, as in a burial at sea, beneath the flow of time.

The New Yorker

The central experience of "The Immigrant" is the flow of time.

The New Yorker

No number of court orders can reverse the flow of time.

The New Yorker

Labor Day is a traditional marker in an increasingly nontraditional flow of time.

The New York Times

Repetition and a glacial flow of time worked in our favor.

The New York Times - Arts

Reversing the flow of time, we come to 1944 and the rustling backwoods of Spain.

The New Yorker

The flow of time, he implies, is simply a matter of statistics.

The Guardian - Books

(2) Is there a scientific explanation of the flow of time?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flow of time" to poetically describe the experience of time passing, particularly when discussing memory, history, or personal change.

Common error

Avoid using "flow of time" when you actually want to discuss the speed or pace at which time seems to pass. Instead, use phrases like "pace of time" or "speed of time" when the rate is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flow of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase evokes the continuous and inevitable movement of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flow of time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the continuous and inevitable movement of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in reflective writing and academic discussions. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it often serves to evoke a sense of change, memory, and the impact of time on events and individuals. While alternatives like "passage of time" and "progression of time" exist, "flow of time" maintains a unique emphasis on the continuous and often subtle nature of time's movement. When using the phrase, be mindful not to confuse it with the speed or pace of time; instead, reserve it for instances where the overarching sense of temporal progression is the focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passage of time

Focuses on the act of time moving forward, similar to flow but with a slightly more static connotation.

march of time

Emphasizes time's relentless and unstoppable forward movement.

progression of time

Highlights the sequential and orderly advancement of time.

unfolding of time

Suggests that time reveals events and circumstances gradually.

course of time

Refers to the duration and path that time takes.

lapse of time

Emphasizes the interval between two points in time.

advance of time

Highlights time moving forward and making progress.

onward sweep of time

Conveys the continuous and sweeping motion of time.

relentless tempo of time

Highlights the unyielding pace at which time passes.

river of time

Uses a metaphor to compare time to a flowing river.

FAQs

How can I use "flow of time" in a sentence?

You can use "flow of time" to describe the passing of events, such as in "The "flow of time" has brought many changes to our city", or to reflect on the past: "He contemplated how the "flow of time" had shaped his life".

What is a good alternative to "flow of time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "passage of time", "progression of time", or "course of time".

Is there a scientific explanation of the "flow of time"?

The concept of the "flow of time" is a topic of debate in physics. Some theories suggest it is an illusion, while others connect it to thermodynamics and entropy.

How does the "flow of time" affect our perception?

Our perception of the "flow of time" can be influenced by various factors, including our emotional state, the events we experience, and our level of attention. When we are engaged or multi-tasking, time may seem to pass more quickly.