how time crawls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how time crawls" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the feeling that time is passing very slowly, often in a context of waiting or boredom. Example: "During the long meeting, I couldn't help but think about how time crawls when you're not engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And now time crawls.

The New York Times

TIME crawls when Miss USA is late.

The New York Times

Sometimes time crawls... What are you currently reading?

Independent

And then it hit me: instead of me taking acid to understand how Lev sees the world, all I needed to do is spend a little more time crawling.

Huffington Post

Time crawled.

The New York Times

Time crawling, then time's arrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dean makes time crawl, and in doing so she arouses simultaneous feelings of boredom and awe.

The New Yorker

Outside Omaha, he took both off because he couldn't stand how slow time was crawling.

The New York Times

How many times did I crawl into that bed, rather than into a cab, and wake up with his arms around me, telling me that I brought it out in him?

HuffPost

This is frankly brilliant, I don't know how many times I've been crawling under a desk wishing for a flashlight while plugging everything in to get the thing up and running.

TechCrunch

Everybody has to learn how to crawl before they walk.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how time crawls" to emphasize the subjective feeling of time passing slowly, especially when experiencing boredom, anticipation, or discomfort. This phrase adds a touch of figurative language to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "how time crawls" in factual or objective contexts where the actual passage of time is being measured. This phrase is best suited for expressing personal perceptions and feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how time crawls" functions as a clause expressing a subjective perception of time. It describes the feeling of time passing very slowly. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how time crawls" effectively communicates the sensation of time moving at a snail's pace, typically during moments of boredom or anticipation. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though examples from diverse sources are limited. Related phrases such as "time drags on" and "time moves slowly" offer similar alternatives. When using the phrase, consider whether you are appropriately expressing a personal feeling or subjective experience. Due to the lack of examples, there's a need for more exploration of its contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time moves slowly

A straightforward expression of time's lack of speed.

the hours crawl

Similar to the original phrase, focusing on the extended feel of each hour.

time drags on

Emphasizes the tedious and burdensome nature of time's passage.

the minutes drag

Focuses on the perceived slowness of minutes.

time inches by

Highlights the small, almost imperceptible increments of time.

time creeps along

Suggests a slow, almost stealthy movement of time.

time stands still

Implies a cessation or near-cessation of temporal progression.

time plods along

Conveys a sense of heavy, laborious movement of time.

time stretches out

Suggests that time seems longer than it is.

time lags

A more concise way of saying time is slow.

FAQs

How can I use "how time crawls" in a sentence?

You can use "how time crawls" to describe the feeling of time passing very slowly, often when you are bored or waiting for something. For example, "During the presentation, I was struck by "how time crawls" when you're not interested in the topic."

What are some alternatives to "how time crawls"?

Some alternatives to "how time crawls" include "time drags on", "time moves slowly", or "the hours creep by". These phrases all convey the sense of time passing slowly and often unpleasantly.

Is "how time crawls" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how time crawls" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English to describe the feeling of time passing slowly. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "how time crawls"?

It's appropriate to use "how time crawls" when you want to emphasize the subjective feeling of time passing slowly, especially in situations involving boredom, anticipation, or discomfort. It is best used in descriptive or narrative writing.