throughout time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throughout time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a long period of time or when speaking in general terms. Example: War has been a part of human history throughout time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

THROUGHOUT time, treasure has typically been measured in trinkets and pennyweights, coins and carats.

The New York Times

The earths climate changes naturally, has throughout time".

The Guardian

Of course, knowledge disappearance has been a problem throughout time.

The New York Times

"There have been tragedies like slavery throughout time," he said.

The New York Times

Create a timeline representing how cartography has changed throughout time.

The New York Times

In this way, comics have worked the same throughout time.

The New Yorker

"Haven't they always existed throughout time?" he asked.

The New York Times

The bit about "throughout time" is also quite a stretch.

The Economist

Religious people throughout time have felt great resonance in a tangible symbol of their ethereal beliefs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Throughout time and history people have said one thing and done another.

The Guardian

It is known throughout Time Inc. management that Mr. Logan and Mr. Pittman get along well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throughout time", ensure that the context clearly indicates a continuous or recurring phenomenon. For instance, "customs have evolved throughout time" is clear, whereas "he visited throughout time" requires additional context.

Common error

Avoid using "throughout time" when referring to specific, limited time periods. It's more appropriate to say "during the 20th century" rather than "throughout time in the 20th century".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throughout time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or clauses to indicate when something happens, emphasizing the duration or continuous nature of an action or state. Ludwig examples show the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throughout time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has occurred continuously or repeatedly from the past until the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, especially in news, media, scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using "throughout time", ensure that the context implies a continuous or recurring phenomenon and that you’re not referring to specific, limited time periods. Alternatives such as "over time" or "historically" can be used to add variety to your writing, if the meaning is reasonably similar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over time

This alternative is shorter and more general, focusing on the process of change or development during a period.

in the course of time

This phrase adds a sense of natural progression and eventual occurrence.

across time

This alternative emphasizes spanning different points or periods of time.

down through the ages

This phrase highlights a longer historical perspective, referring to many generations or centuries.

from time immemorial

This alternative emphasizes a period so long ago that it is beyond memory or record.

historically

This single-word alternative focuses directly on historical occurrences and developments.

in all ages

This phrase refers to all periods of history, without exception.

during the ages

This alternative is similar to 'down through the ages' but more concise.

for ages

This emphasizes a duration that is subjectively long, either past or future.

over the years

This phrase emphasizes developments or changes that have occurred during multiple years.

FAQs

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

Use "throughout time" to describe something that has occurred or existed continuously or repeatedly from the past until now. For example, "Humans have sought knowledge "throughout time"".

What are some alternatives to using "throughout time"?

You can use phrases like "over time", "in the course of time", or "historically" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "throughout time" and "throughout history"?

"Throughout time" is broader and can refer to any continuous period, including hypothetical or fictional ones. "Throughout history", on the other hand, specifically refers to documented historical periods and events.

Can "throughout time" be used to refer to the future?

While primarily used to refer to the past and present, "throughout time" can be used to make general statements about the future, implying a continuation of current trends or patterns. For example, "Technology will likely continue to advance "over time" and "throughout time"".