time ceased to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time ceased to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment or experience where one feels detached from the passage of time, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "As I stood on the mountaintop, watching the sunset, it felt as though time ceased to exist, and I was lost in the beauty of the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

FolloWhenyte Hanson on TwItter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I am announcing that NPS will, over time, cease to exist in its current form," said Mr Drakeford, whose decision followed a review of the organisation.

BBC

Time ceases to exist and food tastes differently.

Huffington Post

Eastern Standard or any other form of real time has ceased to exist.

The New York Times

We're late!" Of course I realized that I wouldn't be able to actually live like the 1950s -- the social structure of that time has ceased to exist.

HuffPost

When we operate in this zone, time ceases to exist and we lose ourselves in the activity.

Forbes

It's what we embody when we're so engulfed in, and invigorated by, a project, activity or even doing "nothing," that time ceases to exist.

HuffPost

Once you start digging into a book that's caught your attention, time ceases to exist, your mind is completely immersed in what is in front of you.

Huffington Post

In the holding space, time ceases to exist and it is only when we swing through the airport's revolving doors and breathe in deeply that it begins to creep forward once again.

Huffington Post

You will truly never appreciate the park unless you have sat in the same place for a duration so great that time ceases to exist and your shoulders begin to fizz with sunburn like a Berocca.

Vice

You will truly never appreciate The Park unless you have sat in the same place for a duration so great that time ceases to exist and your shoulders begin to fizz with sunburn like a Berocca.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "time ceased to exist" to emphasize a profound disconnection from the normal flow of time, often during moments of intense focus, emotional experience, or altered states of consciousness.

Common error

Avoid using "time ceased to exist" to describe everyday situations where time simply passes quickly or is forgotten. This phrase is best reserved for instances where the sensation of time itself seems to vanish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time ceased to exist" functions as a descriptive expression. It typically serves to illustrate a subjective experience where the normal perception of time is suspended or absent, often during moments of intense focus or emotional experience. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time ceased to exist" is a grammatically correct and evocative expression used to describe a subjective experience of timelessness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use, mainly in news and media or literary descriptions, to convey a profound disconnection from the normal flow of time. While less common than alternatives like "time stood still", it effectively communicates a sense of temporal suspension in moments of deep immersion or altered perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Time stood still

This alternative suggests a complete halt in the passage of time, focusing on a moment frozen in place.

Time lost all meaning

This alternative emphasizes the loss of temporal significance, rather than a literal cessation.

Time became irrelevant

Highlights the unimportance of time in a specific situation, rather than its non-existence.

Time faded away

Indicates a gradual disappearance of the sense of time, suggesting a blurring of temporal boundaries.

Time blurred

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the passage of time, rather than its cessation.

Time dissolved

Suggests time disintegrated or broke apart, implying a loss of structure.

Eternity unfolded

Implies that a moment stretched out indefinitely, conveying a sense of timelessness.

Moment became infinite

This alternative shifts the focus to the expansion of a single moment, suggesting a subjective experience of timelessness.

The clock stopped

Uses a literal image of a clock ceasing to function to represent the suspension of time.

Temporal awareness vanished

Highlights the disappearance of the consciousness of time

FAQs

How can I use "time ceased to exist" in a sentence?

You can use "time ceased to exist" to describe moments of deep immersion, intense focus, or profound experiences. For example: "While lost in the music, "time ceased to exist", and I was only aware of the melody."

What is a less dramatic alternative to "time ceased to exist"?

If you want to express a similar idea with less intensity, you could use alternatives like "time passed quickly", "time flew by", or "I lost track of time".

Is "time ceased to exist" grammatically correct?

Yes, "time ceased to exist" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of "cease" to describe the termination of existence of time in a specific context.

What's the difference between "time stood still" and "time ceased to exist"?

"Time stood still" implies a pause in the flow of time, while "time ceased to exist" suggests a complete absence of temporal awareness or a sensation that time has stopped having any effect. The latter is a more extreme and profound statement.