on a different timeline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a different timeline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an alternate reality or scenario that diverges from the current situation or events. Example: "In this story, the characters find themselves on a different timeline where history took a different turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The state department said the Guardian's investigations were on a different timeline to their own.

The Guardian

Irbil, Baghdad and Mosul are operating on a different timeline than Washington.

The Washington Post

The firm's work on the Trump dossier was on a different timeline.

The Washington Post

"We went forward with much of the pre-Ike goals, just on a different timeline," Dr. Callender said.

The New York Times

It was also revealed that Titanfall developer Respawn is working on a Star Wars game, taking place on a different timeline.

The Guardian - Tech

We would be happy to evaluate applications out of our normal graduate admissions season (deadline: Dec 2, decisions: early March), because we recognize that clinical fellowships are decided on a different timeline.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Romney's campaign wants voters to pay attention to a different timeline altogether.

The New York Times

Just like recovery, it is a different timeline for everyone.

Huffington Post

In a different timeline when he encounters Kagari, Kotarou lets her go.

Wikipedia

However, specialist analysis and reporting frequently occurs on a much different timeline than archaeological fieldwork.

University of California, Berkeley

Everyword's specialty is juxtaposition: your friend's tweet takes on a different flavor if it shows up in your timeline right before everyword tweets out "shithead".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management or strategic planning, use "on a different timeline" to acknowledge that various teams or departments may be working toward common goals with varying schedules and deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "on a different timeline" when simply referring to a delay or rescheduling of a single event. This phrase implies a significant divergence in the course of events, not just a minor adjustment in timing. Use phrases such as "delayed" or "rescheduled" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a different timeline" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as an adverbial modifier. It provides context by indicating that events or processes are occurring within an alternative sequence or framework than the one being directly considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a different timeline" serves as a prepositional phrase indicating an alternative sequence of events or an alternate reality. Ludwig AI affirms that its usage is grammatically sound and that the phrase is acceptable. Predominantly found in news media, academic articles, and scientific publications, the phrase offers a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Keep in mind that using alternative such as "in "another dimension"" is possible, but it can shift the focus of the message. When communicating your ideas, be sure to adjust the scope to be more or less general depending on the kind of message you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an alternate reality

Focuses on the existence of a separate reality rather than just a different sequence of events.

in a parallel universe

Emphasizes the existence of a universe running alongside our own, with potentially different outcomes.

in an alternative scenario

Highlights the possible development of an event sequence, changing the circumstances from the current ones.

in another dimension

Suggests a shift to a different plane of existence, implying more significant alterations than just timeline differences.

according to a different schedule

Highlights the idea of events occurring with an alternative order.

on a separate occasion

Highlights the idea of an isolated instance occurring outside the current narrative.

in a different era

Signifies placement in a distinctly different historical period.

at a later stage

Simply indicates a progression in time, without the implication of an entirely different course of events.

under different circumstances

Indicates that varying conditions influenced the events in question.

from another perspective

Focuses on a change in viewpoint rather than a temporal shift.

FAQs

How can I use "on a different timeline" in a sentence?

You can use "on a different timeline" to describe scenarios where events unfold differently from our own reality. For example: "In "a parallel universe", the story might play out on a different timeline."

What's the difference between "on a different timeline" and "in another dimension"?

"On a different timeline" suggests a variation in the sequence of events, while "in "another dimension"" implies a fundamental shift in the rules and characteristics of reality.

When is it appropriate to use "on a different timeline" instead of "at a later stage"?

Use "on a different timeline" when the entire course of events is altered, not just when something happens "at a later stage". The former implies a significant change in history or reality.

Are there formal alternatives to "on a different timeline"?

While "on a different timeline" is acceptable in most contexts, you might use "in "an alternative scenario"" or "under "different circumstances"" in formal writing to convey a similar meaning with slightly more gravitas.