markers of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"markers of time" is correct and usable in written English.
"Markers of time" can be used whenever you want to refer to anything that marks, measures, or records time. For example, "The ancient sundial was one of the earliest markers of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Our aim was to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of a number of markers of time spent cooking in the UK 2005 Time-Use Survey – the most recent time-use data available from the UK.

Appetite

That's an extraordinary thought, that Sibelius could have written the piece without those usually essential markers of time to manage his musical imagination.

The Guardian - Music

"Weem a waffa," "shoop shoop," "do wah diddy," "do lang ooh lang ooh lang," "da do ron ron," "rama lama ding dong," "she ba," and "yeh yeh yeh yeh" are the current meaningless markers of time, or indicators of inexpressible emotion.

The New Yorker

The music on Mad Men has been one of its consistent markers of time, as the staff of SC&P move through the decades; this heavy, brown-acid cover of the Supremes classic from Vanilla Fudge felt like a good way to usher in the dark days of Nixon's America.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Small events grow in importance — the rescue of a lamb, the leaking of a roof, the preparation of a special lobster dinner, what the novelist Charles Baxter has called "the markers of time moving through stillness".

The New York Times - Books

Like Iris's own narrative, it is set in the 1930s (he goes to fight in Spain, and is later killed in the second world war) and presumably in Canada, but it is stripped of almost all specific markers of time and place.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Her upcoming birthday is purely another marker of time.

The New York Times

It's such a simple act that seems to carry so much weight, a marker of time passing.

The Guardian

The work considers the "homelessness" of migration, and immigrant survival, "with layers of cloth functioning as sediment, a visual marker of time," she said.

Cornell University

As Mr. Krukis's BlackBerry — yes, his personal hand-held device was the marker of time for the decades-old clock tower — struck noon, he and Mr. Vinokur flipped the switch of a circuit breaker, and a new era in chronography was greeted by the soft buzz of four 10-volt motors.

The New York Times

My dad not wanting to drive anymore was a marker of time passing by.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "markers of time" to refer to specific events, objects, or cultural phenomena that signify the passage of time within a narrative or analysis. This adds depth and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "markers of time" when you actually mean the causes or drivers of historical changes. "Markers of time" are indicators, not causal factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "markers of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize elements that indicate the progression of time. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "markers of time" is a noun phrase used to describe elements that signify the passage of time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for a variety of contexts including news, science, and academia. Common synonyms include "indicators of time" and "temporal landmarks". While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase accurately, distinguishing between indicators and causal factors. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's applicability in discussing historical periods, cultural shifts, and natural phenomena. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporal markers

Swaps the order of the words, retaining the meaning.

indicators of time

Uses 'indicators' as a synonym for 'markers', emphasizing the function of pointing to or revealing time.

measures of time

Highlights the measurement aspect, using units and systems to quantify time.

chronological indicators

Highlights the sequential aspect of time and the elements that denote it.

time references

Focuses on specific points or periods used for orientation within a timeline.

temporal landmarks

Emphasizes the idea of significant points in time that serve as reference.

period indicators

Refers to elements that specify or characterize a certain duration.

signs of the times

Refers to the characteristics or events that are typical of a particular period.

historical benchmarks

Highlights points of reference against which progress or change can be measured.

age indicators

Refers to elements that reveals how old something is.

FAQs

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

"Markers of time" are used to indicate specific events, objects, or cultural phenomena that signify the passage of time. For instance, "The changing seasons are natural "indicators of time"."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "markers of time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "indicators of time", "signs of the times", or "temporal landmarks".

Are "markers of time" and "time markers" interchangeable?

Yes, "markers of time" and "temporal markers" are largely interchangeable, with a minor difference in emphasis on temporal.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "markers of time"?

The term "markers of time" is appropriate in contexts where you need to identify elements that signify specific historical periods or the passage of time in general. Examples include discussing cultural shifts, historical events, or natural phenomena. It can also be used in scientific contexts when refering to the methods scientists use to identify age.