march of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "march of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the inevitable passage of time and its effects on people, society, or events. Example: "As we reflect on the changes in our community, we cannot ignore the march of time and how it has shaped our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The march of time is against them.

The New York Times

"The March of Time" excelled at that.

The New York Times

How's that for the march of time?

The New York Times

The march of time could not be reversed.

The New York Times

Benighted or bedazed by the March of Time, Time, time.

The New Yorker

It's the march of time that makes things interesting".

Independent

Is the march of time always so cruel?

The Washington Post

Are they calling time-out from the march of time?

The Guardian - Film

The march of time is as terrifying as any army.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're all here: terrorism, asteroid collision, ozone depletion, even the simple march of time.

The New York Times - Books

So how silly and anachronistic does "The March of Time" seem in our sophisticated present?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "march of time" to add a sense of inevitability or drama to your writing when discussing change or aging. For instance, describing historical shifts or personal growth can be enhanced by invoking this idiom.

Common error

Avoid using "march of time" in casual or informal settings. This phrase carries a formal tone, and may sound overly dramatic or out of place in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "time passing" or "as time goes by."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "march of time" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It conveys a sense of inevitable progression and is often used to highlight the impact of time on individuals, societies, or events. Ludwig shows many examples where it's used to describe changes over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "march of time" is an idiomatic noun phrase used to describe the relentless and inevitable passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it can add a sense of drama and inevitability to writing, it's best to avoid it in overly informal settings. Related phrases include "passage of time" and "onward flow of time". Remember to use "march of time" to enhance your writing by adding a sense of change and history unfolding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passage of time

A more literal and less dramatic way to describe time elapsing.

years passing

A simple and direct way to describe the experience of time moving forward.

onward flow of time

Emphasizes the continuous and forward-moving nature of time.

relentless advance of time

Highlights the unstoppable nature of time's progression.

inexorable progress of time

Stresses the inevitability of time's effects.

unstopping clock

An idiom referring to the unceasing nature of time.

course of history

Focuses on the broader historical context of time's passage.

chronological progression

A more technical and neutral term for the order of events in time.

unfolding of events

Describes time's passage through the events that occur.

eras elapsing

Refers to time passing in large, distinct periods.

FAQs

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

The phrase "march of time" is often used to emphasize the relentless and inevitable passage of time and its effects. For example: "The "march of time" has transformed the once-small village into a bustling metropolis."

What can I say instead of "march of time"?

You can use alternatives like "passage of time", "onward flow of time", or "relentless advance of time" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the march of time waits for no one"?

Yes, "the "march of time" waits for no one" is a common expression that emphasizes the unstoppable nature of time and its impact on everyone.

What's the difference between "march of time" and "course of history"?

"March of time" generally refers to the personal or immediate effects of time passing, whereas "course of history" usually refers to broader historical events and developments over long periods.