time flowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time flowing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing the passage of time, such as in literature, philosophy, or reflections on life. An example could be: "As I sat by the river, I felt the time flowing like the water before me." Alternative expressions include "the passage of time" and "time moving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That means warm water from lower latitudes has a hard time flowing in.

The New York Times

Observation and metaphysics, thought and responsiveness to "the visibility of life", are all the time flowing into each other.

The Guardian - Books

If correct, the human experience of time flowing like a river is more a function of our physiology: a singularly intense hallucination.

The New Yorker

It will be interesting to see if she picks up a crossover audience for her "adult" book, this time flowing in the opposite direction.

The Guardian - Books

Close your eyes, turn off the world, and try to "attend exclusively to the passage of time, like one who wakes, as the poet says, 'to hear time flowing in the middle of the night, and all things moving to a day of doom.' " (James was paraphrasing Tennyson).

The New Yorker

The solutions that describe the behavior of any system obeying the laws of physics, as we understand them, are just as valid for time flowing into the past as they are for time flowing into the future.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Time flows by in waves.

The New York Times - Magazine

3. Time flows as you read.

The New York Times - Books

The equations remain true even when time flowed backward.

The New York Times - Science

"Everything that was flowing into my mind at the time flowed into the poem," he explained.

The New York Times

The barriers were gone; the system, for the first time, flowed upward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time flowing" when you want to emphasize the continuous and fluid nature of time, particularly in descriptive or reflective writing. For example, it can effectively set a contemplative tone or describe a subjective experience of time.

Common error

While "time flowing" is appropriate in literary and philosophical contexts, avoid using it in technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "time progression" or "temporal sequence" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time flowing" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe the continuous and fluid nature of time. The phrase often acts as a subject or object in sentences, conveying a sense of movement and progression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time flowing" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered expression used to describe the continuous and fluid nature of time. Ludwig AI indicates that while not exceedingly common, it finds use across various contexts, including news, science and academic writing. It serves to evoke a sense of movement and progression and can be used effectively in descriptive and reflective writing. Writers should consider the potential for more precise or technical alternatives when using this phrase in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow of time

Maintains the metaphor of time as a fluid entity but is slightly more formal.

stream of time

Similar to "time flowing" but evokes a stronger sense of continuous movement and immersion.

passage of time

Focuses on the event or process of time moving forward rather than the feeling or experience of it.

progression of time

Emphasizes the sequential and continuous nature of time's movement.

advancement of time

Highlights time's relentless march forward, suggesting an ongoing and unstoppable process.

march of time

Suggests a more forceful and inevitable movement of time, often used in contexts of aging or change.

unfolding of time

Emphasizes the revealing or developing nature of events as time progresses.

course of time

Implies a predetermined path or direction that time follows.

sweep of time

Conveys a broad and encompassing view of time, often used when discussing historical periods.

lapse of time

Focuses on the interval or duration of time that has passed.

FAQs

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

You can use "time flowing" to describe the continuous and often unnoticed passage of time. For example: "She sat by the window, watching "time flowing" as the seasons changed."

What can I say instead of "time flowing"?

You can use alternatives like "passage of time", "flow of time", or "progression of time" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "time flowing" a metaphor?

Yes, "time flowing" is a metaphor that likens time to a river or stream, suggesting a continuous and irreversible movement from the past to the future. It is a common way to conceptualize and describe the experience of time.

What's the difference between ""time flowing"" and "time passing"?

"Time flowing" emphasizes the continuous and fluid nature of time, whereas "time passing" simply indicates that time is elapsing. "Time flowing" often carries a more reflective or poetic connotation.