time elapses

USAGE SUMMARY

"time elapses" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means time passes or goes by. Example: As the sun set, the children watched as time elapsed and the day turned into night.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Time elapses, cases get dismissed, prosecutions do not take place.

The New York Times

The event, story, imagery is only revealed in the process, as time elapses.

The New York Times - Arts

The more time elapses, the less benefits will be reaped by cuts or new revenues.

The New York Times

After that time elapses, a new group of vendors will come in.

The New York Times

And, as time elapses, concerns are growing about the possibility of fluid spills.

The New York Times

So much time elapses between them that his image in dust-jacket photographs can change alarmingly.

The New York Times

A long stretch of time elapses before you realise that not a word of dialogue has been spoken.

The Guardian - Film

This will increase its effectiveness, which declines rapidly as time elapses after unprotected sex or contraception failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the more time elapses, a full restoration of the relationship gets more difficult, as stereotypes and vested interests on both sides become more entrenched.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more time elapses, the more people are going to wonder about this, but I don't think it will sway U.S. public opinion much.

The New Yorker

From the time food leaves the mouth until it passes the upper sphincter, only about one second of time elapses, during which all these body mechanisms spontaneously occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time elapses" to add a touch of formality or to emphasize the gradual nature of a process or change. It's particularly suited for describing how conditions or states evolve over extended periods.

Common error

Avoid using "time elapses" in overly simple or informal contexts where "time passes" would be more appropriate. Using a more formal phrase in an informal setting can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time elapses" functions as a statement indicating the progression of time. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in describing how processes and conditions evolve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time elapses" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the passing of time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it carries a neutral to slightly formal register, suitable for describing gradual processes and changes. When aiming for less formality, consider alternatives like "time passes". The phrase functions to establish temporal context while implying resulting changes or consequences. While common, be mindful of overusing it in overly casual settings. The frequency of use and authoritative sources underscore its importance in conveying the progression of time effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time passes

A simpler and more direct way of saying time goes by.

time goes by

Similar to "time passes", emphasizing the progression of time.

as time goes on

Focuses on the continuous nature of time's passage and its effect on subsequent events.

as time passes

Similar to "as time goes on" but with a slightly more formal tone.

with the passage of time

Highlights the impact of time's movement on a particular situation or object.

over time

Emphasizes the gradual changes or developments that occur as time progresses.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate time, without specifying a specific duration.

eventually

Suggests that something will occur at some point in the future, after a period of time.

after a while

Indicates that something happens after a certain, unspecified amount of time.

down the line

Refers to future events or consequences that will arise as time progresses.

FAQs

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

You can use "time elapses" to describe the passing of time, often emphasizing the changes or effects that occur during that period. For example, "As "time elapses", the effectiveness of the drug diminishes."

What are some alternatives to saying "time elapses"?

You can use alternatives such as "time passes", "time goes by", or "with the passage of time" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "time elapses" or "times elapse"?

"Time elapses" is the correct form. "Time" is uncountable in this context and takes a singular verb. "Times elapse" would be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "time elapses" and "time passes"?

While both phrases indicate the passing of time, ""time elapses"" often carries a slightly more formal or literary tone than "time passes". The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing.