time has gone

USAGE SUMMARY

'time has gone' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a way to talk about how quickly or unexpectedly time has passed. For example, "It's hard to believe that so much time has gone since we graduated high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their time has gone".

The New Yorker

"Now time has gone by.

The New York Times

"But time has gone on.

Independent

That time has gone.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's an idea whose time has gone.

The New York Times

Digoxin for atrial fibrillation: a drug whose time has gone?

Harvard University

We don't even realize how much time has gone by.

The New Yorker

The time has gone by, and I'm still here".

The New York Times

But as time has gone on, that has changed.

The New Yorker

"Time has gone so quickly," Agar tells The Independent.

Independent

Birthright citizenship was a mistake whose time has gone.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time has gone" to reflect on the speed or unexpected nature of time's passage, especially when reminiscing or noting changes over a period.

Common error

Avoid using "time has gone" when you mean "it's time to go", which is an imperative suggesting that it is the moment to leave or begin an activity. "Time has gone" describes a past event, while "it's time to go" indicates a present or future action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time has gone" primarily functions as a statement indicating the completion of a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, reflecting its role in expressing the passage of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time has gone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it effectively conveys a sense of elapsed duration, often prompting reflection on changes or past events. Alternative expressions, such as "time has elapsed" or "time has passed", can offer nuanced shades of meaning, but the core concept remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time has passed

Uses 'passed' instead of 'gone', offering a neutral and common alternative to describe the progression of time.

time has elapsed

Replaces 'gone' with 'elapsed', emphasizing the passage of time in a more formal or technical context.

time has slipped away

Replaces 'gone' with 'slipped away', highlighting the unnoticed or rapid passing of time.

the time is over

Indicates the end of a specific period or era, similar to 'time has gone' in some contexts.

time is up

Expresses that the allotted time for something has finished or expired.

the deadline has passed

Focuses on a specific deadline that has expired, emphasizing the conclusion of a set timeframe.

the moment has passed

Refers to a particular moment that is now in the past and cannot be relived or repeated.

that era is over

Denotes the end of a specific period characterized by particular events or qualities.

the opportunity is lost

States directly that a chance or possibility is no longer available.

that ship has sailed

Implies that an opportunity is lost and cannot be recovered, often used in informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "time has gone" to express the passage of time, as in, "So much "time has gone" since we last spoke."

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

For a more formal tone, consider using "time has elapsed" which emphasizes the measured passage of time.

Is it correct to say "the time is gone" instead of "time has gone"?

While "the time is gone" is understandable, ""time has gone"" is more commonly used and grammatically standard in modern English.

How does "time has gone" differ from "time went by"?

"Time has gone" implies a completed action with current relevance, while "time went by" simply describes the passing of time without necessarily emphasizing its impact on the present.