the tide of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"the tide of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the unstoppable progression of time or to describe the changing tides of events or circumstances. For example: "The tide of time continues to flow, leaving memories of the past and leaving hope for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The tide of time rolls on, irreversible and unfair.

The New York Times

What is time but the passing of sensation...and what sensation can stem the tide of time?

The New Yorker

The speaker referred to President Wilson as "the greatest Democrat in the tide of time". General Tyson, he said, was a first citizen in the time of peace, but was not afraid to respond to the summons for war.

The New York Times

I happened to be in Iceland, at the very top of Europe, when it happened, which was, by a variety of improbabilities, a good place to witness the tide of time suddenly reversed.

The New Yorker

That's a nice turn of phrase, but one might also say that he represented the desire for — not the reality of — a free, expressive, creative style of playing, a collective wish to stem the tide of time and return to an era when classical music mattered more.

The New York Times - Books

And now you're even older, and you can't stem the tide of time".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thou art the ruins of the noblest man That ever lived in the tide of times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every linguist and language maven knows that transliterations shift with the tides of time and opinion.

The New York Times

The age-defying facelift, which surgically removes excess tissue and lifts sagging skin in the lower part of the face, is one way to try to stem the tides of time.

Harvard University

Thus the tides of time to turn backward and the heathen to humble, his hope urged him, that with harrying ships they should hunt no more on the shining shores and shallow waters of South Britain, booty seeking".

The Guardian - Books

When Arthur gets word from home that Mordred has betrayed him, seeking to seize both his kingdom and his queen, he sits silently and reflects: Now from hope's summit headlong falling his heart foreboded that his house was doomed, the ancient world to its end falling, and the tides of time turned against him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the tide of time" to add a touch of poetic or metaphorical flair to your writing when discussing the passage of time and its effects. For instance, instead of simply saying 'time passed', you could say 'the tide of time swept away old traditions'.

Common error

Avoid using "the tide of time" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Reserve it for moments where you want to emphasize the profound or irreversible nature of time's passage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the tide of time" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It's a metaphorical expression, using the imagery of tides to represent the continuous and often irresistible flow of time. Ludwig AI shows many usages in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the tide of time" is a metaphorical phrase used to express the relentless and continuous passage of time. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and acceptable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. When using this phrase, be mindful of its metaphorical weight and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Related phrases include "the flow of time" and "the passage of time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the flow of time

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

the passage of time

A more literal and common way to describe time moving forward.

time's relentless march

Highlights the unstoppable and unforgiving nature of time.

the ceaseless progression of time

Focuses on the continuous and uninterrupted nature of time's advance.

the unending stream of time

Uses the metaphor of a stream to represent time's continuous flow.

the river of time

Implies time is a flowing river of change and moments.

the onward rush of time

Captures the feeling of time moving quickly and forcefully.

the relentless tempo of time

Conveys the regular and unyielding rhythm of time's passage.

the unending current of time

Portrays time as a current that continually moves forward.

the immutable course of time

Stresses the unchanging and inevitable nature of time's journey.

FAQs

What does "the tide of time" mean?

The phrase "the tide of time" is a metaphor that refers to the relentless and continuous passage of time, similar to how ocean tides constantly ebb and flow.

How can I use "the tide of time" in a sentence?

You can use "the tide of time" to describe how time changes things, such as in the sentence: "The old building stood as a reminder of the past, weathering "the tide of time"."

What are some alternatives to "the tide of time"?

Alternatives to "the tide of time" include "the passage of time", "the flow of time", and "time's relentless march", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the tide of time" in formal writing?

Yes, "the tide of time" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when aiming for a literary or reflective tone. However, ensure it fits the overall style and doesn't sound overly flowery or out of place.