time crawls

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time crawls' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which time seems to pass slowly, especially when one is bored or waiting for something. For example: "It felt like time was crawling as we waited to hear the results of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And now time crawls.

The New York Times

TIME crawls when Miss USA is late.

The New York Times

Sometimes time crawls... What are you currently reading?

Independent

The premise works though, because, as anyone who's ever been stalled in an airport knows, time crawls.

The New York Times - Books

Fretful viewers may have to watch this through their fingers, although it must be said that, as time crawls by, you start to foresee the unforeseen.

The New Yorker

Time crawls to a dead stop as you watch "Ninth and Joanie," a stupefyingly dull drama by Brett C. Leonard presented by the increasingly rudderless Labyrinth Theater Company at the Bank Street Theater.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Time crawled.

The New York Times

Time crawling, then time's arrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dean makes time crawl, and in doing so she arouses simultaneous feelings of boredom and awe.

The New Yorker

I watched time crawl Over the ceiling Like a wounded fly.

The New Yorker

(Bedbugs have a tough time crawling up slick metal or glass surfaces).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time crawls" to effectively convey a sense of boredom, anticipation, or frustration caused by the slow passage of time. It's particularly impactful when describing situations where one is forced to wait.

Common error

While "time crawls" is vivid, avoid using it excessively in narratives that require a sense of urgency or fast-paced action, as it can disrupt the flow and create an unintended sense of sluggishness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time crawls" functions as an idiomatic expression where "time" acts as the subject and "crawls" is a verb describing its perceived slow movement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing its role in depicting the subjective experience of time. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of protracted duration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time crawls" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to depict the slow passage of time, often associated with feelings of boredom, impatience, or anticipation. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively conveys the subjective experience of time. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, especially in narratives requiring a faster pace. Alternatives like "time drags" or "time inches by" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time drags

Replaces "crawls" with a different verb suggesting slowness.

time inches by

Uses a more visual metaphor to convey slow progression.

time moves at a snail's pace

Introduces a simile for emphasis on slowness.

time stagnates

Emphasizes a lack of movement or progress in time.

time plods along

Uses a verb implying heavy and slow movement.

the hours creep

Focuses on the hours passing slowly.

time stretches out

Suggests that time feels longer than it is.

the clock ticks slowly

Highlights the slow passage of time by referencing a clock.

time stands still

Implies time is not progressing at all, often due to a significant event.

time weighs heavily

Emphasizes the burdensome feeling of time passing slowly.

FAQs

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

You can use "time crawls" to describe situations where time feels exceptionally slow, such as "Time crawls when you're waiting for important news" or "Time crawls during a boring lecture".

What is an alternative to saying "time crawls"?

Alternatives include phrases like "time drags", "time inches by", or "time moves at a snail's pace", which all convey the sense of time passing slowly.

Is it correct to say "times crawl" instead of "time crawls"?

No, the correct phrase is "time crawls". "Time" is treated as a singular, uncountable noun in this context, so the verb should be in the singular form.

What feeling does the phrase "time crawls" convey?

The phrase "time crawls" typically conveys a feeling of boredom, impatience, or frustration due to the perception that time is passing very slowly. It emphasizes the dragging sensation of waiting or enduring an unpleasant situation.