the time will show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time will show" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "time will tell," which is used to indicate that the outcome of a situation will become clear in the future. Example: "We have made our predictions, but only time will tell if we were right."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the highlights: Debate Live Stream: The Times will show the debate live and in its entirety at nytimes.com and on mobile apps beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

The New York Times

Now the Met, collaborating with the New York Guitar Festival for the first time, will show off its prize like never before, with "Audible Cloisters" (May 14), a six-hour marathon of fourteen free concerts spread throughout the hallowed spaces and gardens.

The New Yorker

Investors are waiting for the ABC circulation figures due out later this week, which for the first time will show whether Emap's lads' weekly, Zoo, is outselling its IPC rival, Nuts.

The Guardian

ESPN and ESPN2, which will not carry games at the same time, will show four regionalized games simultaneously.

The New York Times - Sports

Children's Dreams will make you realize just how much of your ideas about dreams are from Jung, and at the same time will show you just how little of Jung you really understand.

Huffington Post

Just the same, they are well worth the price, as time will show us.

Forbes

"It's a wonderful concept, that the passing of time will show who is right and who is wrong," said Antonio Paolucci, the director of the Vatican Museums.

The New York Times

Whether this one will happen, and what that might do to the crime statistics, time will show.

The Economist

Time will show that the many of the individuals who have made these allegations are criminals and their word not credible".

Los Angeles Times

As for what will befall Actual Louis in this latest skirmish in the Great X Factor Wars, only time will show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We strongly suspect that time will show the Church to have been completely correct in explaining that same-sex sexual relationships are detrimental to any love expressed within profound friendships".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing the idea that future events will reveal the truth or outcome, use the idiomatic expression "time will tell" instead of the non-standard phrase "the time will show".

Common error

Do not directly translate from other languages or create literal phrases that do not exist in standard English. Rely on established idioms like "time will tell" for clear and correct communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time will show" functions as a statement suggesting future revelation. Although Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is incorrect, analyzing its intended use reveals an attempt to express that the outcome or validity of something will be proven or made evident in the future. However, it does not conform to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "the time will show" attempts to convey that future events will reveal an outcome or truth, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct and idiomatic alternative is "time will tell". Using established idioms ensures clear and accurate communication. The intended meaning is to express a belief that future events will validate or clarify a present situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time will tell

A common idiom indicating that only the future can reveal the truth or outcome of something.

time will reveal

Similar to "time will tell", this phrase emphasizes the revealing aspect of time, suggesting a gradual unveiling of information.

the future will show

A more direct statement that the unfolding of events will demonstrate or prove something.

as time goes on

This phrase emphasizes the process of time passing and the gradual unfolding of events or understanding.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate time, revealing the outcome naturally.

the truth will come out

Focuses specifically on the eventual revelation of truth, implying that it is currently hidden or unclear.

we shall see

A simple expression indicating uncertainty and a willingness to wait for future events to unfold.

the proof is in the pudding

An idiom meaning the real value or quality of something can only be judged when it is put to use or tested.

events will prove

Highlights that future events, or situations will provide an explicit validation of something.

the outcome will demonstrate

It puts emphasis on how a final resolution or result will make something visible, obvious and clear.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "the time will show"?

The correct and idiomatic way to express that future events will reveal the truth is to say "time will tell".

Is "the time will show" grammatically correct?

No, "the time will show" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is better to use the common idiom "time will tell".

What does "time will tell" mean?

"Time will tell" means that the outcome or truth of a situation will become clear as time passes.

Are there alternatives to "time will tell"?

Yes, you can also say "time will reveal" or "the future will show", though "time will tell" is the most common and idiomatic.