time has marched on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time has marched on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that time has passed and circumstances have changed as a result. Example: "Though we may reminisce about the past, it's clear that time has marched on, and we must adapt to the new reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Time has marched on, hasn't it?" said Roxanne J. Coady, owner of R. J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, Conn.

The New York Times

But time has marched on, and the stuffy country-house atmosphere of 1935 has been superseded by a fresh urban setting.

The Guardian - Books

Time has marched on with the word cinema and now has a stable of a dozen or more cinemacombinations, all of them Timeworthy, all fascinating, all as teacherous as a fishbone in the upper or lower larynx.

The New Yorker

But time has marched on, and so must we.

Huffington Post

The problem has been that while time has marched on, the 30-year horizon has remained fixed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If Mr. Perahia cancels the giant character balloons, it will not be the first time the Thanksgiving Day Parade has marched on without them.

The New York Times

Fortunately, technology has marched on.

The New York Times - Tech

But the science has marched on.

The Washington Post

Not everything has marched on, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They could have marched on Baghdad.

The Guardian

MEXICO CITY — Armed mobs have marched on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "time has marched on" to succinctly convey that a period has passed and, as a result, circumstances, opinions, or technologies have changed. This idiom adds a touch of reflective acknowledgment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "time has marched on" in contexts where literal marching is involved. This phrase is an idiom, and its figurative meaning can be lost or misinterpreted if used in a setting that involves a physical march or parade.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "time has marched on" is to act as an idiomatic expression that functions as a statement. As Ludwig AI shows, it asserts the passage of time and the subsequent changes that have occurred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time has marched on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom to express that the passage of time has led to changes. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While more formal alternatives exist, this phrase strikes a balance between informality and professional tone. To ensure clarity, avoid using it in contexts involving literal marches, and instead leverage it to convey the impact of temporal progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time has moved forward

Focuses on the simple passage of time, omitting the sense of events or circumstances changing.

time has progressed

Emphasizes a forward movement, often with connotations of improvement or development.

times have changed

Highlights the alterations in societal norms, customs, or conditions over a period.

time has elapsed

Stresses the duration of time that has passed, often in a more formal or technical context.

the world has moved on

Expands the scope to a global perspective, indicating significant shifts in various aspects of life.

we've come a long way

Indicates progress made over time, often in overcoming challenges or achieving goals.

things aren't what they used to be

Emphasizes nostalgia and a sense of decline or loss compared to a previous state.

eras have shifted

Suggests a transition between distinct periods, each with its unique characteristics.

the years have flown by

Highlights the rapid passage of time, often with a sense of disbelief or regret.

generations have passed

Emphasizes the cyclical nature of time and the transfer of values, customs, or traditions.

FAQs

How can I use "time has marched on" in a sentence?

You can use "time has marched on" to indicate that a period has passed and things have changed. For example, "The technology was cutting-edge then, but "time has marched on", and now it's obsolete."

What's a more formal alternative to "time has marched on"?

A more formal alternative could be "time has progressed" or "the passage of time has brought changes". These phrases are less idiomatic and more suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it correct to say "time marches on" instead of "time has marched on"?

Yes, "time marches on" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning. It's a slightly different phrasing of the same idiom, using the present tense to emphasize the ongoing nature of time's passage. Using this form emphasizes that "time marches on" continuously.

What does it mean when someone says "time has marched on"?

It means that a significant amount of time has passed, leading to changes in circumstances, attitudes, or technologies. It often carries a connotation of acceptance or resignation to these changes.