mark time

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to wait in an idle manner or to wait for something. You can use it when you want to refer to a period of waiting or to a period of inactivity. For example: We had to mark time in order to determine exactly when the shipment would arrive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can ill afford to mark time again.

The Economist

I still, these days, mark time by books.

The New York Times

They also mark time: "I'm a young 85, and I'm still setting stones," he said.

The New York Times

"I honestly think the markets are going to sit here and mark time," Mr. Frederick said.

The New York Times

PINCHOT SILENT ON STRIKE While Governor Is on Speaking Tour Pennsylvania Departments Mark Time in Situation.

The New York Times

No experience was needed, just the ability to mark time and a good attitude.

The New York Times

China could not mark time in the transition to socialism, or else it would go backwards.

The Guardian

In the summer, you can mark time by ticking off the interval between a humpback's breaths.

The New York Times - Travel

The topical jokes and misty reminiscences that mark time between musical numbers are standard issue at best.

The New York Times

The discovery of brain structures that apparently mark time has raised a larger question: What is time, anyway?

The New Yorker

On a slightly more grand scale is the sistrum used to mark time in an Ethiopian Orthodox Church service.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mark time" when you want to describe a situation where there is a temporary halt in progress or activity, often while waiting for a more favorable time or opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "mark time" when the context implies active problem-solving or strategic maneuvering; this phrase is more appropriate for passive waiting or stagnation. It doesn't describe situations where there is active, positive change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically. It describes the action of pausing or temporarily halting progress, similar to how soldiers might march in place. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mark time" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a pause or lack of progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples across different contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase functions as a verb and is used to convey a sense of stagnation, or temporary inactivity. While broadly applicable, it's important to use it accurately, understanding its implication of passive waiting rather than active progress. Alternatives like "tread water" or "bide your time" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tread water

Suggests maintaining the current state without making progress.

bide your time

Focuses on waiting strategically for an opportune moment.

sit tight

Emphasizes waiting patiently and remaining in place.

stall for time

Implies delaying intentionally, often to gain an advantage.

hold the fort

Conveys maintaining a position or situation temporarily.

cool your heels

Indicates a period of waiting or inactivity, often impatiently.

delay progress

Directly refers to the act of slowing down or halting advancement.

remain inactive

Highlights the lack of activity or progress during the period.

suspend activity

Implies a temporary cessation of actions or operations.

maintain status quo

Underscores the continuation of the existing state without change.

FAQs

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

You can use "mark time" to describe a temporary pause in progress, like "The project will "mark time" until funding is secured."

What does it mean to "mark time"?

To "mark time" means to wait in place or do something without making any real progress, often while waiting for something else to happen.

What can I say instead of "mark time"?

You can use alternatives like "tread water", "bide your time", or "stall for time" depending on the context.

Is it better to "mark time" or push forward?

Whether to "mark time" or push forward depends on the situation. Sometimes, it's wise to "mark time" and wait for better conditions, while other times, proactive action is necessary.