time dances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time dances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to convey the idea that time is fluid, changing, or moving in a lively manner. Example: "As I watched the sunset, I felt as if time dances around me, each moment slipping away like grains of sand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Human time dances with animal time.

The New York Times - Arts

Time dances lightly; hostilities flare only briefly before melting into good will; voodoo is a vaudeville diversion; and even hangovers have no sting.

The New York Times

Where Balanchine ballets are architectural constructions in space and time, "Dances" — a classic of 1960s nonhierarchical equality and intimacy — showed dancers responding to the space, to the music and to one another, becoming a community, summoning up a dreamlike kaleidoscope of feelings as the music (piano pieces by Chopin) proceeded like changes in the light.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At the time, dance was generally considered a form of amusement, but Weaver viewed dance as more than entertainment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nato Thompson, the chief curator at Creative Time, danced his way over to me, beaming.

The New Yorker

There was another increase in use in 2000 and 2001, the last time dance music surged in popularity.

The New York Times

They can sort of laugh at a bhangra track, and at the same time dance to Pharrell Williams".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Next month, for the first time, Dance Theater of Harlem will perform its season at the Apollo.

The New York Times

Unlike drama and music, which also unfold in time, dance is not dictated by a written script or score.

The New York Times - Magazine

For me, at the time, dance music was hip hop.

Vice

The old tales of time dance in his pupils.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time dances" when you want to evoke a sense of fluidity and motion in the passage of time, particularly in creative writing or metaphorical contexts. It's effective for imbuing time with a dynamic and lively quality.

Common error

Avoid using "time dances" too frequently in formal or technical writing. Overuse of metaphorical language can detract from clarity and precision, making your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

"Time dances" primarily functions as a metaphorical expression. It uses the verb "dances" to imbue the noun "time" with a sense of motion, liveliness, and fluidity. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in creative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time dances" is a metaphorical phrase that describes the passage of time in a dynamic and lively way. Ludwig highlights that while grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare and more suited for creative writing than formal contexts. The phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its acceptability in certain styles. When aiming for clarity and directness, more common alternatives like "time flows" or "time moves" might be preferable, but "time dances" brings a unique poetic touch when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time moves

A simple and direct way of saying that time is passing, without any metaphorical embellishment.

the dance of time

This inverts the original phrase but retains a similar metaphorical quality, highlighting time as the subject performing a dance.

time flows

This alternative is more straightforward and commonly used to describe the passage of time.

time progresses

Similar to "time marches on", this alternative emphasizes the continuous advancement of time.

time marches on

This alternative emphasizes the relentless and inevitable progression of time.

time waltzes

This alternative uses a specific dance form to convey a sense of grace and rhythm in the passing of time.

time flies

This phrase indicates that time passes quickly, especially when one is enjoying themselves.

time slips away

This suggests a gradual and subtle passing of time, often unnoticed.

time unfolds

This alternative suggests that time reveals itself gradually, like a story.

time elapses

A more formal way to describe the passing of time, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "time dances" to describe the feeling of time passing in a fluid or lively way. For example, "Human "time dances" with animal time" or "Time dances lightly; hostilities flare only briefly before melting into good will".

What does "time dances" mean?

The phrase "time dances" is a metaphorical expression that suggests time moves in a dynamic, almost playful way. It's not a literal dance, but rather an artistic way to describe the passage of time.

Which is a more common phrase, "time dances" or "time flies"?

"Time flies" is a far more common idiom than "time dances". While "time dances" evokes a sense of movement, "time flies" simply indicates that time passes quickly.

What are some similar phrases to "time dances"?

Similar phrases include "time flows", "time moves", and "the dance of time". Each conveys a slightly different nuance related to the passing of time.