lost in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost in time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that belongs to the past, or that has been forgotten over time. For example: "The ancient city of Troy was lost in time for thousands of years, until its ruins were discovered in the 19th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You get lost in time.

The New York Times

Ho's childhood lay in a world lost in time.

The New York Times - Books

Above all, Butt observes, we are lost in time.

The New Yorker

And so, for a while, we remained lost in time.

The New York Times - Travel

There is something lost in time about the place.

The New York Times - Science

All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

The New Yorker

If it feels lost in space, it also feels lost in time.

The Guardian

She pulled her swimsuit on in the dank locker room, lost in time.

The New Yorker

How coordinated these gatherings were is lost in time, but coincidence is improbable.

The New York Times

If Lincoln responded to Johnson, that letter has been lost in time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is one of the prettiest rustic environments in Italy, lost in time--and perhaps the best place to discover the amazing food of Emilia-Romagna.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a place or object, use "lost in time" to evoke a sense of historical depth or a feeling of being disconnected from the present.

Common error

Avoid using "lost in time" when you mean simply 'old' or 'aged'. The phrase implies a deeper sense of being disconnected from the flow of history, not just being old.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost in time" typically functions as an adjectival phrase. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something disconnected from the present, belonging to or reminiscent of the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase modifies nouns, adding a sense of temporal displacement or historical depth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost in time" effectively conveys a sense of being disconnected from the present or belonging to a past era. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, primarily in descriptive and narrative contexts across diverse sources such as news, travel, and literature. Predominantly found in News & Media, it evokes nostalgia, historical significance, or a feeling of temporal displacement. While alternatives like "belonging to a bygone era" and "adrift in time" exist, "lost in time" uniquely captures a blend of historical depth and emotional resonance, making it a versatile choice for writers aiming to add depth and nuance to their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adrift in time

Emphasizes a sense of disorientation and detachment from a specific time period.

anachronistic

Indicates something that is chronologically misplaced or out of its proper time.

suspended in time

Implies a state of being paused or unaffected by the passage of time.

forgotten by time

Highlights the obscurity and lack of remembrance associated with something from the past.

belonging to a bygone era

Implies a strong connection to a past period, emphasizing its characteristics and customs.

relic of the past

Focuses on something that survives from an earlier time, often suggesting it is outdated.

from another age

Suggests a distinct separation from the current era, implying different values or customs.

out of sync with the present

Highlights a lack of alignment with current trends or circumstances.

a thing of the past

Directly indicates that something is no longer relevant or in use.

historical artifact

Refers to something tangible from the past, often of historical or cultural significance.

FAQs

How can I use "lost in time" in a sentence?

You can use "lost in time" to describe a place, feeling, or idea that seems to belong to the past. For example, "The village felt "lost in time", with its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings".

What phrases are similar to "lost in time"?

Alternatives include "belonging to a bygone era", "out of sync with the present", or "relic of the past", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "lost in time" formal or informal?

The phrase "lost in time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly technical or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "lost in time" and "forgotten by time"?

"Lost in time" suggests something is disconnected from the present, while "forgotten by time" implies it has been completely erased from memory or knowledge.