mark of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that reflects the passage of time, whether it's a physical object or a change in a person's life. For example, "The old barn had a few marks of time, including a broken window and peeling paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To me, the mark of time added this layer of metaphor".

The New York Times

Now, restorers who would see the temples in a pristine state disagree with those who claim the tangled trees are a mark of time and should remain.

The New York Times

No matter that their bodies show the mark of time, too; they adorned themselves in sexy clothes and moved with the abandon of women who fully own their own sexuality.

The New York Times - Arts

No body part wears the mark of time like our face.

HuffPost

This year, as I fill my fairly unblemished lungs with air conditioned air at the trendy restaurant my husband rented out to celebrate my birthday, I will be thinking not only of the mark of time, but of place, class and gender.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"History just counts the olive tree as part of the marking of time".

The New York Times - Travel

Certainly, it would have been a very different book, bearing the marks of time, maturity, experience.

The New York Times - Books

But beauty itself is an ideal of a stable, unchanging appearance, a commitment to staving off or disguising the marks of time.

The Guardian

"A friend or associate who writes a wonderful letter for you — it's a wonderful marking of time, of where you are at this point in your life.

The New York Times

Others argue that there is no turning back the clock and that the marks of time are a part of history and should be maintained.

The New York Times

It took Rembrandt to recognise the dignity and character of aged faces and to embrace the marks of time as beautiful, mysterious and rich.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mark of time" when you want to emphasize how the passage of time has visibly or perceptibly altered something. Consider whether "sign of age" or "vestige of time" might be more precise depending on the context.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse the phrase "mark of time", which refers to the effect of time passing, with "waste of time", which indicates an unproductive activity. Ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a visible or perceptible indication of the passage of time. Ludwig AI shows various examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark of time" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe visible or perceptible indications of time's passage. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English, highlighting its neutral to slightly formal register. The phrase is predominantly found in "News & Media". While several alternatives exist, such as "sign of age" or "vestige of time", the best choice depends on the specific context. Keep an eye out to not confuse it with "waste of time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effects of aging

Specifically refers to the results of the aging process.

sign of age

Focuses specifically on aging as a cause.

imprint of age

Highlights the long-lasting results of age

evidence of aging

Highlights the visible proof of getting older.

hallmark of age

Signifies a typical feature associated with being old.

vestige of time

Emphasizes a remaining trace or indication.

footprint of time

Metaphorically suggests an impression left behind.

indelible mark of history

Indicates a lasting historical impact.

scars of time

Implies damage or changes caused by time.

ravages of time

Highlights the destructive aspect of the passage of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "mark of time" to describe the visible effects of aging or the passage of years on something. For example, "The antique furniture showed the "mark of time" through its faded finish and worn edges."

What's a good alternative to "mark of time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "mark of time" include "sign of age", "vestige of time", or "effects of aging".

Is it correct to say "marks of time" instead of "mark of time"?

Yes, both are correct. "Mark of time" refers to a single indication, while "marks of time" refers to multiple signs or indications of the passage of time.

Does "mark of time" always refer to negative changes?

Not necessarily. While it can describe decay or damage, "mark of time" can also refer to character, maturity, or historical significance gained over time.