some time has lapsed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some time has lapsed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to convey that some amount of time has passed since something else has happened. For example: "I haven't seen my old friend in a while - some time has lapsed since we last spoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

First, one of these is during treatment with folate, one and the end of treatment and the final one after some time has lapsed post treatment.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In many seeds the embryo cannot germinate even under suitable conditions until a certain period of time has lapsed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So much time has lapsed, it is somewhat easy to forget Brand hails from the East Coast.

The New York Times - Sports

But enough time has lapsed for the Pop Group to safely return, not just to the stage, which they have been doing since 2010, but to the studio.

The Guardian - Music

I don't think true history is -- that you really get a picture of history until a period of time has lapsed.

The New York Times

Defense lawyers plan to argue that too much time has lapsed since the killing of Lillie Belle Allen, a 27-year-old South Carolina woman, making it impossible for their clients to receive a fair trial.

The New York Times

Where did the system let me down?" Too much precious time has lapsed in this case for us to achieve what we want: every child being able to learn.

The New York Times

An unspecified amount of time later (and it would be useful to know exactly how much time has lapsed) he receives an email from a man (played by the aforementioned actor) asking him to pitch for a contract from a new charity called Push.

The Guardian

Considerable time has lapsed since the biosynthesis of DXR and its overproduction was first summarized.

Microbiological Research

To fully cover its costs, however, the studio bets it will be able to sell the show for future airings once that time has lapsed.

Forbes

By the time I'm done crafting a coherent message that fits neatly within the text box and meets my strategic objectives, a suspicious amount of time has lapsed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some time has lapsed" to indicate that a noticeable duration has passed since a previous event, especially when the exact length is not important or unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "some time has lapsed" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "it's been a while" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some time has lapsed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when something occurred in relation to a prior event. It establishes a temporal relationship, showing that a duration has passed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some time has lapsed" is a grammatically correct and fairly common way to indicate that a period of time has passed since a previous event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. While generally considered neutral to slightly formal, it's most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while it's a correct and useful expression, simpler alternatives may be better suited for very informal situations. By understanding its register and contexts, you can confidently use "some time has lapsed" to effectively communicate the passage of time in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some time has passed

A more common and direct alternative, replacing "lapsed" with "passed".

time has elapsed

A more formal version using only "time" instead of "some time".

a period of time has gone by

Replaces "lapsed" with a more straightforward expression, emphasizing the passage of time.

a certain amount of time has passed

More explicitly states that an amount of time has passed.

a while has gone by

Uses "a while" instead of "some time", indicating a less specific duration.

considerable time has gone by

Emphasizes that a significant amount of time has passed.

time has slipped away

Implies that the time passed unnoticed or quickly.

time has drifted by

Suggests a passive and gradual passage of time.

after some time

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a point in time following a duration.

the time has run out

Suggests a deadline or limit has been reached.

FAQs

What does "some time has lapsed" mean?

The phrase "some time has lapsed" means that a period of time has passed since a particular event or point in time. It's used to indicate that there's been a delay or interval.

How can I use "some time has lapsed" in a sentence?

You might say, "Some time has lapsed since our last meeting, so let's review the progress made." It's a way to introduce the idea that a sufficient period has passed to warrant an update or reconsideration.

What are some alternatives to "some time has lapsed"?

You can use alternatives like "some time has passed", "a while has gone by", or "time has elapsed" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "some time has lapsed" formal or informal?

"Some time has lapsed" leans towards being a slightly formal expression. In very casual conversations, phrases like "it's been a while" might be more appropriate.