time has elapsed

USAGE SUMMARY

"time has elapsed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has taken longer than expected, or that a period of time has passed. For example: "We started the project six months ago, but unfortunately much time has elapsed with no progress being made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So much time has elapsed.

The New York Times

And I can't reread it until some time has elapsed.

The Guardian - Books

The simplest is that not enough time has elapsed.

The Economist

In fact a great deal of time has elapsed.

Independent

So much time has elapsed that the CCJ can no longer be removed from the register.

The Guardian - Money

And yet, he says, "a lot of time has elapsed, and I can't remotely say..

The Guardian

ALEX KARPOVSKY Some time has elapsed, maybe a month, in these characters' lives.

The New York Times - Arts

Amazing how rustic a former industrial zone can feel after enough time has elapsed.

The New York Times

After the allotted time has elapsed, the excess etch solution is blotted with newsprint paper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And yet, he says, "a lot of time has elapsed, and I can't remotely say.

The Guardian

The jet will remain parked until it's scheduled flight time has elapsed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time has elapsed", ensure the context clearly indicates from what point the time is being measured. For instance, specify "since the event" or "since the deadline" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "time had elapsed" when "time has elapsed" is more appropriate to convey the ongoing relevance of the elapsed time to the present situation. The past perfect tense can unnecessarily distance the time frame from the current context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time has elapsed" functions as a statement indicating that a certain duration has passed since a specific event or point in time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time has elapsed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates the passage of a certain duration since a specific point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from news reports to scientific studies. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it versatile for various writing styles. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Consider alternatives like ""time has passed"" for simpler expressions, or "a considerable period has gone by" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time has passed

This alternative is more direct and focuses on the simple act of time moving forward.

a period has gone by

This alternative highlights the duration of the elapsed time.

time has gone on

This alternative emphasizes the continuation of events as time moves.

the deadline has expired

This alternative specifically refers to the end of a set timeframe or limit.

the window has closed

This alternative indicates that an opportunity is no longer available due to the passing of time.

time is up

This alternative is an idiomatic way of saying that a set period has reached its end.

time is over

This alternative is a more direct statement that the duration is finished.

a while has passed

This alternative emphasizes that the duration has been significant.

the hour is late

This alternative implies an urgency that the opportunity is passing.

the sands of time have run out

This alternative is a poetic and metaphorical expression of time running out.

FAQs

How can I use "time has elapsed" in a sentence?

You can use "time has elapsed" to indicate that a period has passed since a specific event. For example, "Sufficient "time has passed" for the investigation to yield results."

What's a more formal way to say "time has elapsed"?

A more formal way to express "time has elapsed" is to say "a significant duration has passed" or "a considerable period has gone by". These alternatives maintain the meaning while adopting a more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "time had elapsed" instead of "time has elapsed"?

While grammatically correct, "time had elapsed" implies that you are referring to a past event relative to another point in the past. "Time has elapsed" refers to time passed relative to the present. Choose the tense that best fits your intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "time has elapsed"?

Alternatives to "time has elapsed" include phrases like ""time has passed"", "a period has gone by", or "the deadline has expired" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.