tides of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"tides of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression that refers to the passage of time or the unstoppable nature of time. It can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: "The tides of time wash away the memories of yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

More recently, with the advent of the multidisciplinary SummerScape festival, Bard has become a haven for important operas, some of them popular hits in their day, which for whatever reason fell victim to the shifting tides of time and taste.

The New York Times - Arts

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

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

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

Much of what they did has withstood the tides of time, because for the last 174 years, the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec has dedicated itself to preserving the memories and achievements of the early settlers of one of North America's oldest cities.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tides of time" to convey the powerful and inevitable nature of time's passage, especially when discussing its effects on people, cultures, or events.

Common error

Avoid using "tides of time" in contexts where a simple, literal reference to time is sufficient. The phrase is metaphorical and carries a sense of grandeur or inevitability that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tides of time" primarily functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. It evokes the imagery of ocean tides to represent the relentless and powerful passage of time, influencing events and changing circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tides of time" is a metaphorical phrase used to convey the powerful and relentless passage of time and its impact on events, people, and cultures. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources and carries a neutral to formal register. For alternatives, consider phrases like "currents of time" or "march of time", depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, be mindful of its metaphorical nature and ensure it fits the context appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currents of time

Replaces the imagery of tides with currents, suggesting a steady and persistent flow.

waves of time

Substitutes tides with waves, evoking a sense of impactful and successive periods.

flow of time

Similar to currents, but emphasizes the continuous and fluid nature of time.

march of time

Uses a military metaphor to imply a steady and unstoppable progression.

relentless pace of time

Emphasizes the unyielding and constant nature of time's progression.

ravages of time

Focuses specifically on the destructive effects and decay caused by time.

advance of time

Highlights the forward movement and progression that time represents.

passage of time

A more neutral and direct way to refer to the progression of time.

ever-changing times

Highlights the perpetual changes and evolution that occur over time.

historical timeline

Frames the progression of time within a historical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "tides of time" to describe how time significantly impacts or changes something. For example, "The "tides of time" have eroded the ancient city's walls."

What's the difference between "tides of time" and "march of time"?

"Tides of time" suggests a gradual and powerful influence, like the ocean's tide, whereas "march of time" implies a steady and relentless progression.

Are there any formal alternatives to "tides of time"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "passage of time" or "progression of time" to convey a similar meaning without the metaphorical imagery.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tides of time"?

It's appropriate to use "tides of time" when you want to emphasize the significant and transformative effects of time on a subject, conveying a sense of inevitability and grandeur. Avoid it in contexts where a literal or simple reference to time is sufficient.