stream of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"stream of time" is an acceptable phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe the continuous flow of time, often referring to the passing of time. For example, "The stream of time marches ever onward, marking the passing of moments and years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

You're talking to another stream of time.

The New York Times

It is fascinating, disruptive, distracting, maddening and enlightening, making a rainbow of Faulkner's stream of time.

The Guardian - Books

"It's a Hyperborean winter scene, it's the breaking-up of the icebound stream of Time".

The Guardian

Then I grew up, and small moments became the stream of time passing, and big moments became history and politics.

The Guardian - Books

The beauty of a true junk shop is that it is a kind of island in the stream of time.

The New Yorker

To do so requires an ensemble that exists unconditionally in a shared stream of time, an effect that usually comes only with the familiarity bred by long rehearsal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But they must also memorise a stream of time-data without losing concentration.

The Guardian

Surprisingly, even though TechCrunch is owned by not one but two enormous corporate entities — the Voltron form of which I like to call Verizaol — we are hit by very little splash from the stream of time-wasting marketing exercises that form a corporation's very being.

TechCrunch

It was Marshall's habit of thinking in "streams of time" - identifying what is worth preserving from the past to carry into the future.

The New York Times - Books

In the title number, the different simultaneous streams of time in human experience are represented by oboe and clarinet setting off decisively in opposite directions, with violin soon looping above them.

The New York Times - Arts

Because somewhere out there, in the streams of time, there's a fat kid from Jersey whose gotta be reminded he's on the right track; that he can make movies too -- just like them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and flow in sentences using "stream of time", consider adding descriptive adjectives or adverbs that highlight the specific aspect of time you wish to emphasize, such as 'the relentless stream of time' or 'the gentle stream of time'.

Common error

Avoid using "stream of time" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terminology might be appropriate. Stick to more neutral terms like timeline or temporal sequence when accuracy is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stream of time" functions primarily as a metaphorical noun phrase, evoking the continuous and flowing nature of time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stream of time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that metaphorically represents the continuous progression of time. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, often lending a reflective or philosophical tone to writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly technical contexts where precision is key. Consider alternatives like "flow of time" or "passage of time" to add variety to your writing. The phrase effectively conveys the relentless and unstoppable nature of how time passes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow of time

Emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted movement of time, similar to a flowing river.

passage of time

Focuses on the act of time moving forward, highlighting the transition from past to present to future.

march of time

Suggests a relentless and unstoppable progression of time, often with a sense of inevitability.

relentless flow of time

Highlights the unyielding and continuous nature of time's progression.

river of time

Uses a metaphor of a river to depict the continuous and ever-changing nature of time.

unfolding of time

Emphasizes the way events and moments are revealed as time progresses.

temporal flow

A more formal and scientific way to describe the movement of time.

continuum of time

Highlights the unbroken and seamless nature of time's progression.

course of time

Focuses on the path that time takes, often in relation to events or developments.

advancement of time

Emphasizes the forward movement and progression of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "stream of time" to evoke a sense of continuous flow, as in "Memories fade in the "stream of time"" or "The project evolved over the "stream of time", adapting to new challenges".

What are some alternatives to "stream of time"?

Alternatives include "flow of time", "passage of time", or "relentless march of time", each carrying slightly different connotations.

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

"Stream of time" leans towards a more literary or reflective register. In formal contexts, consider using "temporal sequence" or "historical progression" instead.

What does "stream of time" imply?

"Stream of time" suggests a continuous, unidirectional movement, much like a river flowing forward. It emphasizes the relentless and often unstoppable nature of time's progression.