time dilates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time dilates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing physics, particularly in relation to the theory of relativity, where time is said to stretch or expand under certain conditions. Example: "As the spaceship approached the speed of light, the crew experienced a phenomenon where time dilates, making their journey feel much shorter than it actually was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Time dilates.

The New Yorker

Time intervals become longer, meaning that time runs more slowly in a moving body; that is, time dilates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Relativity tells us that when an object's speed approaches the speed of light (relative to us), time dilates (slows down) for it (relative to us).

The Guardian

Another confirmed prediction of general relativity is that time dilates in a gravitational field, meaning that clocks run slower as they approach the mass that is producing the field.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for why time dilates in this way, Bennett cited the principle of relativity that holds that space and time are closely intertwined, not two different things.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While Mrs Johnson's overarching preoccupation is with the ways in which this encounter has continued to reverberate throughout her life, she spends a lot of time dilating on the sex itself, finally declaring, in a crescendo suggesting orgasm, "I loved it.

The Guardian

He's dispatched his heroes back and forth through time-dilating intergalactic wormholes.

The Guardian - Film

These time-dilating grooves, pitch-shifted vocals (the lyrics are modernised verses by the 17th-century poet Kul Nesîmî and 16th-century poet Pir Sultan Abdal), acid house beeps and blats, not to mention smoking bağlama jamming, all add up to an essential Balearic-sounding classic that never outstays its welcome, even at 24 minutes long.

The Guardian - Music

The factor γ by which lengths contract and times dilate is known as the Lorentz factor and is given by γ = (1 − v2/c2)−1/2, where v is the speed of the object.

Wikipedia

The wide range of time to dilate is unavoidable because cervical dilation has neither a precise nor direct relationship to time.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

This is because the cervix muscles are thicker and take more time to dilate when you are in your first labor, but in the subsequent delivery the cervix dilates faster.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, consider using "time dilates" to evoke a sense of altered perception or a dreamlike state.

Common error

Avoid using "time dilates" casually or metaphorically without a clear connection to its scientific meaning. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time dilates" functions as a verb phrase, where "time" acts as the subject and "dilates" as the intransitive verb. It typically describes a phenomenon related to the theory of relativity. Ludwig confirms the phrase's proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time dilates" is a scientifically grounded term primarily used to describe the effect of relativity on the perception and passage of time. While grammatically sound, its application is best suited for formal, scientific, or theoretical contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. However, due to its technical nature, alternative expressions such as "time slows down" or "time stretches" may be more appropriate for general audiences. Always consider the context and intended audience when using this phrase to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time slows down

Focuses on the deceleration of time's passage.

time expands

Emphasizes the stretching or lengthening of time.

time stretches

Highlights the elongation of time's duration.

time elapses slowly

Indicates a gradual and extended passage of time.

time warps

Suggests a distortion or bending of time.

time is distorted

Highlights the alteration of the normal flow of time.

time seems longer

Focuses on the subjective perception of time's duration.

time extends

Emphasizes the prolonged duration of time.

time lengthens

Highlights the increase in time's duration.

time drags

Implies a slow and tedious passage of time.

FAQs

How is the phrase "time dilates" used in physics?

In physics, "time dilates" describes how time can pass differently for observers in relative motion or in different gravitational fields, a concept central to Einstein's theory of relativity.

What does it mean when someone says "time dilates"?

The expression "time dilates" usually means that time is experienced as slowing down, often due to high speeds or strong gravitational forces, according to the theory of relativity.

What are some alternatives to "time dilates"?

Alternatives include "time slows down", "time stretches", or "time expands", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "time dilation" the same as "time dilates"?

"Time dilation" is a noun referring to the phenomenon itself, while "time dilates" is a verb phrase describing the action of time stretching or slowing. For example, "Time dilation is a consequence of relativity" versus "Time dilates as you approach the speed of light".