shape of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the concept of time, its perception, or its influence on events and experiences. Example: "In her novel, the author explores the shape of time, illustrating how memories can bend and twist our understanding of past events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Art

Science

Literature

General discussions about perception and history

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is called The Shape of Time because the curators argue that in 1913 radical ideas about time found expression in sculpture.

The Guardian - Arts

This is made clear only at the end, when Marcel, the protagonist, undergoes a celebrated series of experiences in the resuscitation of time lost, and resolves to write a book that will have "the shape of time".

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, one essay, by the economist George Ainslie, a central figure in the study of procrastination, argues that dragging our heels is "as fundamental as the shape of time and could well be called the basic impulse".

The New Yorker

The rigid-chain polyacids interfere with the normal course of the electropolymerization, which manifests itself in the changes of the shape of time dependences of absorbance and charge.

Electrochimica Acta

Like Mr. Smithson, Mr. Downey was a fan of the art historian George Kubler's "Shape of Time: Remarks on the History of Things" (1962), a poetic, theoretical text that broke with linear models of Western history and that feels of a piece with the hallucinogenic aspects of the '60s.

The New York Times - Arts

Various things might have changed the shape of time, the contemporary Van knew; the regretful are also revisionists.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the MRI-PRE images the shape of time-intensity curves, peak enhancement, the slope and the washout parameters are similar in all mice bearing 4 mm tumors (data not shown).

Angiogenesis

Standard deviation of volatilities: (19) volstd = 1 N ∑ t = 1 N (V t − V − ) 2. Though descriptive statistics may give us the overall summary of time-series data and characterize a general shape of time-series data, they may not be able to capture the precise trend movements which are also known as the patterns of evolving lines.

BioMed Research International

STAMFORD Franklin Street Works "Slipstreams Contemporary Artistic Practicee and the Shaping of Time," group show.

The New York Times

We find that K-SC outperforms the K-means clustering algorithm in finding distinct shapes of time series.

Stanford University

"The shapes of time," the art historian George Kubler's phrase, perhaps best describes these collected tools of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape of time" when discussing abstract concepts of time, its impact on art, history, or personal perception. It is particularly useful in philosophical or artistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shape of time" in contexts where a literal shape or physical form is intended. The phrase is metaphorical and should be reserved for abstract discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape of time" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the abstract concept of time's form and characteristics, as demonstrated by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shape of time" is a grammatically correct and uncommon noun phrase used to express the abstract concept of time's characteristics and perception. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's found in a range of contexts, from scientific articles and news media to academic discussions and artistic analyses. The phrase lends itself well to discussing time's impact on history, art, and our understanding of the world, but should be avoided in literal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "nature of time" or "temporal dimension" to fine-tune your message. Its prevalence in reputable sources and its ability to convey complex ideas make it a valuable asset in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time's form

A more direct synonym, replacing "shape" with "form".

nature of time

Shifts focus to the inherent qualities and characteristics of time itself.

passage of time

Focuses on the experience of time moving forward.

structure of time

Emphasizes the organization and arrangement of time's components.

flow of time

Highlights the continuous and dynamic movement of time.

temporal framework

Highlights time as a structure or system for organizing events.

temporal dimension

Focuses on time as a measurable dimension, similar to spatial dimensions.

course of time

Suggests a predetermined path or direction that time follows.

temporal configuration

Emphasizes the arrangement and relationships within a specific time period.

zeitgeist

Captures the spirit and characteristics of a particular period in time.

FAQs

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

You can use "shape of time" to discuss abstract ideas such as the perception of time, its impact on history, or its representation in art. For example: "The exhibition explored how artists visualize the "shape of time" through sculpture."

What does "shape of time" refer to?

"Shape of time" is a metaphorical expression that refers to the way time is perceived, experienced, or represented. It often implies a non-linear or subjective understanding of time's passage.

What are some alternatives to "shape of time"?

Some alternatives to "shape of time" include "nature of time", "structure of time", or "temporal dimension". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "shape of time" a common phrase?

While not extremely common, "shape of time" is a recognizable and usable phrase, particularly in artistic, philosophical, and scientific discussions as Ludwig AI confirms. It conveys a nuanced understanding of time's complexities.