marks of time

USAGE SUMMARY

'marks of time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to physical signs that tell of the passage of time, such as wrinkles or grey hair. For example, "As the years passed, I began to see the marks of time on my face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

History

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

Along with the scuff marks of time and use, many of the blank-slate covers carry words and drawings added by past owners.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian

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

They were physical objects, with all the tactility and uniqueness and marks of time which that implies, and it became more apparent than ever that these marks of time are what distinguish letters from emails and other forms of digital correspondence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Travel

"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

The Book of Common Prayer in the priest's coat pocket, contains an elaborate system, a liturgical orrery, for the public marking of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Two well-matched art songs by Ricky Ian Gordon, "Once I Was" and "Sycamore Trees," reflect with wistful good cheer on the marking of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marks of time" when you want to poetically or figuratively refer to the visible or tangible effects of aging, history, or long duration on a person, object, or place.

Common error

Avoid using "marks of time" to refer to literal timestamps or specific dates. The phrase is more about the qualitative evidence of time's passage, not the quantitative measurement of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marks of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it describing the physical or figurative evidence left by the passage of time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marks of time" is a noun phrase that evokes the evidence and effects of the passage of time. It is grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig AI, it appears in a range of sources, mostly News and Media. While not overly frequent, the phrase is a useful and evocative way to describe aging, historical impact, or any transformation that occurs over a significant period. When using the phrase, it is helpful to remember it is more qualitative and descriptive, not quantitative, and also it fits better in neutral to formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Signs of aging

Focuses specifically on the process of growing old, rather than time in general.

Effects of aging

Specifically relates to the consequences and outcomes of getting older.

Traces of history

Emphasizes the historical aspect and evidence of past events.

Imprint of the past

Highlights the lasting impact and influence of earlier times.

Ravages of time

Emphasizes the destructive and damaging aspects of the passage of time.

Scars of time

Highlights the lasting, often negative, effects of time's passage.

Patina of age

Refers to the aesthetic and often valued changes that come with age.

Age-related changes

Focuses specifically on physical and other changes associated with getting older.

The passage of time

A more general phrase referring to the progression of time, without specific marks or effects.

Temporal indicators

A more academic and scientific way to refer to signs that reveal the passage of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "marks of time" to describe the visible effects of aging or the passage of history. For example, "The old book bore the "marks of time" on its yellowed pages".

What phrases are similar to "marks of time"?

Similar phrases include "signs of aging", "traces of history", or "effects of aging", each emphasizing different aspects of time's influence.

Is "marks of time" a formal or informal expression?

"Marks of time" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for both journalistic and literary contexts. It isn't overly technical or casual.

Can "marks of time" refer to positive aspects?

While often associated with decay or decline, "marks of time" can also refer to positive aspects like character, experience, or historical significance. It depends on the context.