through time

USAGE SUMMARY

"through time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that has lasted or endured in one form or another over a significant period of time. For example, "This family has been together through time, overcoming all obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The words carrying through time.

The New York Times - Books

Travelling through time?

The New Yorker

Can we travel through time?

The New York Times - Magazine

The play jumps through time.

The New Yorker

And hopefully, through time, that will come.

Independent

A story, through time, told in ink.

The New York Times

All these factors change through time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Furthermore, this oscillation took place through time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through time you figure some things out".

The New York Times - Sports

So let us travel through time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Speciation-through-time shown in red and extinction-through-time shown in blue.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "through time", ensure the context clearly indicates a process, change, or evolution occurring over a duration. Be specific about what persists or transforms during this period.

Common error

Avoid using "through time" when simply indicating a point in the past or future. The phrase implies continuous action or influence, not a one-time event. Instead, use phrases like "at that time" or "in the future" for specific moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through time" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies verbs or nouns, indicating the dimension of time across which an action, process, or state extends. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in expressing duration or evolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the temporal dimension of actions and processes, emphasizing duration, evolution, or persistence. Ludwig AI’s analysis reveals its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from phrases like "at that time", which refers to a specific point rather than a duration. Alternatives such as "over time" and "across time" offer subtle variations in meaning. To ensure clarity, focus on indicating actions or evolution rather than one time event in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

Focuses on the progression and changes occurring as time passes.

across time

Emphasizes a span or range of time, covering a period.

through the ages

Implies a long duration, specifically referencing historical periods.

in the course of time

Highlights the natural unfolding or progression as time elapses.

as time goes by

Indicates the gradual passage of time and its effects.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the influence and changes brought about by the progression of time.

down the line

Focuses on future events and developments that will occur after a period.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

eventually

Highlights that something will happen at a later, unspecified time.

in the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something will happen when the time is right or completely ready.

FAQs

How can I use "through time" in a sentence?

Use "through time" to indicate how something changes, persists, or evolves over a period. For example, "The story has resonated "over time"", or "Technologies evolve "across time"".

What's a good alternative to "through time"?

Alternatives include "over time", "across time", or "through the ages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "over time" or "through time"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Over time" emphasizes the passage of time and gradual change, while "through time" suggests navigating or enduring across a time span. Choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Can "through time" refer to a specific point in the past?

No, "through time" implies a duration or a process occurring over an extended period. To refer to a specific point in the past, use phrases like "at that time" or "in the past".