time has stopped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time has stopped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey a feeling of suspension or a moment where nothing seems to progress, often in a dramatic or emotional context. Example: "As she stood there, staring at the photograph, it felt as if time had stopped, and she was lost in her memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Time has stopped in this apartment.

The Guardian - Arts

Time has stopped, or it is every hour simultaneously.

The New Yorker

This is the reason why time has stopped for them within that picture".

The New Yorker

I feel, for a moment in the war, time has stopped.

The New York Times

It's difficult to shake the feeling that time has stopped here".

The Guardian

Time has stopped; nothing can happen until something happens to the ball.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It was as if time had stopped.

The New York Times

Inside Maxwell's, it was as if time had stopped.

The New York Times

It looked as though time had stopped the day I left.

The New Yorker

"For me, it was as if time had stopped," he said later.

The New Yorker

Some people, defying Einstein, like to live as if time had stopped.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time has stopped" to create a dramatic effect or emphasize a moment of profound emotion or stillness. For example, "As the music swelled, it felt as if "time has stopped", and nothing else mattered."

Common error

While evocative, "time has stopped" is generally reserved for moments of heightened significance. Avoid using it in mundane situations, as it can sound melodramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time has stopped" primarily functions as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig, it is used to portray a feeling of suspension or a moment where nothing seems to progress. It can be found in contexts describing dramatic or emotional experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time has stopped" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to depict a moment of stillness, suspension, or altered perception of time. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English, particularly to convey intense emotions or dramatic situations. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for significant moments to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives such as "time stands still" or "time is frozen" offer similar nuances. Its usage spans various contexts, but it frequently appears in News & Media and artistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time stands still

Emphasizes the lack of movement or progression of time.

time is frozen

Highlights the immobility and lack of change in the present moment.

time is suspended

Suggests a temporary cessation of time's normal flow.

everything stood still

Focuses on the overall lack of movement and activity.

the moment froze

Highlights a specific instance where time seemed to stop.

the clock stopped ticking

Implies a halt in the passage of time, often metaphorically.

time ceased to exist

Suggests a complete disruption or absence of time.

the world stood still

Implies a pause in the events and activities of the world.

time lost all meaning

Emphasizes the disorientation and altered perception of time.

time seemed to vanish

Suggests time disappeared or was no longer relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "time has stopped" to describe a moment of intense emotion, surprise, or stillness. For example: "When she heard the news, it was as if "time has stopped".

What are some alternatives to "time has stopped"?

You can use alternatives like "time stands still", "time is frozen", or "time is suspended", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "time had stopped" is correct and implies that the stopping of time occurred before a specific point in the past. "Time has stopped" refers to the present perfect, indicating a state that continues to the present or has relevance to the present.

What does it mean when someone says "time has stopped"?

When someone says "time has stopped", they usually mean that they are experiencing a moment of intense emotion or awareness, making it feel as though the normal passage of time is suspended. It can also describe a place or situation where progress or change seems to have ceased.