lapse of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapse of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the passing of time between two distinct points. For example, "We noticed there had been a significant lapse of time since the last time we met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the long lapse of time was hard to bridge.

The New York Times

Of course, the trial was necessary – the lapse of time did not erase the offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not so clear that the lapse of time always favors the defendant," Mr. Rosen said.

The New York Times

There was a considerable lapse of time before the history of Greek writing resumed at Byzantium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of the great lapse of time, the landscape in the identified areas had also changed significantly.

The Guardian

Resistance develops in a population only after a lapse of time measured in several or many generations.

The New Yorker

This, though, is not the greatest lapse of time between an exaggerated report of death and the reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was pregnant a year later -- which lapse of time, although abbreviated by today's standards, she calls "an accomplishment in and of itself".

The New York Times - Magazine

You may think you know them through and through but then, after a lapse of time (in which you have aged), they startle you again.

The Guardian - Books

"Making people relate to a certain mood or emotion, or to give them an escape for a brief lapse of time, I guess that's my mission," he said.

The New York Times

Other letter writers said the media were too fixated on the lapse of time in reporting the accident and should be asking President Bush the tough questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or procedural matters, use "lapse of time" to highlight how delays can affect outcomes. For example, "The evidence was deemed inadmissible due to the significant lapse of time since the incident."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a longer "lapse of time" automatically weakens a case or argument. While time can erode memories or evidence, it can also reveal patterns or confirm suspicions. Always consider the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapse of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a period or interval of time that has passed or elapsed between two specific points or events, as Ludwig examples suggest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

19%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lapse of time" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the passing of time between two events. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including scientific articles, news reports, and encyclopedic entries, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. While it can sometimes imply a negative connotation of neglect or missed opportunity, its meaning is generally neutral, simply denoting the duration that has passed. Remember, as Ludwig's examples show, the implications of a "lapse of time" depend heavily on the specific situation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time interval

Emphasizes the measured duration between two points in time.

period of time

Highlights the duration or span during which something occurs.

time span

Focuses on the extent of time from beginning to end.

duration

Indicates the length of time that something continues.

time frame

Specifies a limited period within which something is expected to happen.

interval

Refers to a space or period between two events or points in time.

time elapsed

Highlights the passing of time since an event occurred.

hiatus

Emphasizes a pause or gap in a sequence or process.

interim

Refers to the time between two events, often implying a temporary state.

waiting period

Highlights the necessity to wait for a specific duration before something can occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "lapse of time" to refer to an interval between two events. For example, "There was a considerable "lapse of time" before the history of Greek writing resumed."

What are some alternatives to "lapse of time"?

Alternatives include "time interval", "period of time", or "time span", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of duration.

Is it always negative to have a "lapse of time"?

Not necessarily. While a "lapse of time" can imply neglect or delay, it can also provide perspective or allow for changes to occur naturally. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

What is the difference between "lapse of time" and "interval"?

While both refer to a duration between events, "lapse of time" often implies a period of inactivity or something not happening, whereas "interval" is a more neutral term for a space between events, as pointed out in the "interval" definition.