ravages of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ravages of time' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when referring to the effects of time on something and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, you could say "The ravages of time have taken their toll on the once grand palace".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

On Friday night Dave talked about the ravages of time.

The New Yorker

The ravages of time have indeed been defied.

The Guardian - Books

You could ascribe Dylan's croak to the ravages of time.

The New Yorker

Most pieces didn't escape the ravages of time.

The New York Times - Arts

Piatigorsky died in 1976, and a few of the performances showed the ravages of time.

The New York Times - Arts

At least you're not in this unwinnable race against the ravages of time.

The Guardian

Hopkins, the boxing analyst Larry Merchant said, "has been brilliant at concealing the ravages of time".

The New York Times - Sports

The United Nations is seeking to shield those that survive from the ravages of time.

The New York Times

Despite the ravages of time, around 30 of the original cottages and studios are still standing.

The New York Times - Arts

Keep going, oblivious to the ravages of time, in the pathologically stoical manner of Sylvester Stallone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You might more accurately call it a stylistic flourish — a ravages-of-time shtick.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ravages of time" to evoke a sense of loss, decay, or significant change due to aging or long duration. It's most effective when describing tangible things like buildings, artifacts, or even the human body.

Common error

Avoid implying that time is an active, malicious force. Instead, focus on the effects of time as a natural process of decay and change. For example, it's better to say "The statue shows the ravages of time" rather than "Time ravaged the statue."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ravages of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "subject to the ravages of time") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ravages of time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the destructive effects of time on various subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases, such as "destructive effects of time" or "corrosive effects of time", can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, it's important to focus on the effects of time as a natural process, rather than attributing malicious intent to time itself. Its prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destructive effects of time

Replaces "ravages" with a more direct description of the effect.

corrosive effects of time

Substitutes "ravages" with "corrosive", emphasizing the gradual and damaging impact.

erosive power of time

Replaces "ravages" with "erosive power", highlighting the gradual wearing away.

damaging impact of time

Uses a more straightforward expression to describe time's negative influence.

destructive force of time

Emphasizes the power of time to bring about destruction.

deteriorating effects of age

Focuses on the aging process as the cause of deterioration.

passage of time's toll

Highlights the cumulative negative impact of time passing.

aging's detrimental impact

Specifically refers to aging and its negative consequences.

wear and tear of time

Emphasizes the gradual damage caused by prolonged use and exposure to time.

depredations of time

Uses a less common synonym for "ravages" to denote plundering or destruction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "ravages of time" is used to describe the damage or decay caused by the passage of time. For instance, "The ancient ruins displayed the "ravages of time"".

What are some alternatives to saying "ravages of time"?

Alternatives include "destructive effects of time", "corrosive effects of time", or "damaging impact of time", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the time's ravages" instead of "ravages of time"?

While understandable, "the time's ravages" is less common and idiomatic than "ravages of time". The latter is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What does "ravages of time" imply about the subject it describes?

The phrase "ravages of time" typically implies that the subject has undergone significant deterioration, decay, or damage due to aging or long exposure. It suggests a visible and often irreversible impact.