time is lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is lost" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express the idea that time has been wasted or is no longer available. Example: "In the chaos of the day, I realized that time is lost." Alternative expressions include "time is wasted" and "time slips away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lost time is lost money.

The New York Times

How much time is lost to thoughts of efficiency?

The New York Times

Much of your progress — say, 10 or 15 minutes of game time — is lost.

The New York Times - Arts

I wouldn't call it a missed opportunity, but time is lost, absolutely.

The New York Times

The government needs to reverse course before more crucial time is lost.

The New York Times

It's brief but significant — like pit stops in stock car racing — where time is lost or gained.

The New York Times - Travel

In their patent, the inventors say that interrupting a workout to adjust a VCR means "valuable exercise time is lost".

The New York Times

Do you know how much writing time is lost while taking the subway into Manhattan for a weekly tuneup?

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Djindjic has insisted on forming a government ahead of the elections, so that no time is lost afterward.

The New York Times

Back in 1917 the manager of a Connecticut manufacturing firm complained about the effects of the telephone: "Time is lost, confusion results and money is spent".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although its recommendations may save money, it is likely to increase the evaluation budget of a programme and may be difficult to fund and to recruit for, particularly as a high calibre of evaluators is emphasised, and there is a short time period in which to implement, after which the opportunity to be genuinely real-time is lost.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is lost" to emphasize the negative consequences of delays or inefficiencies. It's effective in contexts where productivity, progress, or opportunities are at stake.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "time is lost" can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we're wasting time" or "we're running late" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is lost" functions as a statement, often expressing a sense of regret or highlighting the negative consequences of delays or inefficiencies. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct construction that conveys the idea of wasted or irretrievable time. Similar examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is lost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, expressing regret or emphasizing the consequences of delays. It's prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. While effective in conveying the value of time and the negative impact of its waste, remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Be sure to consider that similar phrases, such as "time is wasted" or "opportunity is missed", offer slight variations in meaning. Therefore, this phrase is useful for highlighting inefficiencies and urging timely action in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is wasted

Emphasizes the unproductive use of time, suggesting it could have been used more effectively.

time is squandered

Highlights the careless and wasteful use of time, often implying a lack of responsibility.

time is gone

Focuses on the irreversible nature of time, emphasizing its departure and unavailability.

time has passed

Indicates the progression of time, often with a sense of nostalgia or regret.

opportunity is missed

Shifts the focus to the lost chance or advantage that time could have provided.

moment is gone

Stresses the fleeting nature of a specific moment and its irretrievability.

time slips away

Captures the subtle and gradual disappearance of time, often unnoticed.

time elapses

Formal way to say time passes, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

time is irretrievable

Highlights the impossibility of recovering lost time, emphasizing its permanent absence.

time cannot be recovered

Similar to "time is irretrievable", this phrase emphasizes the inability to regain lost time.

FAQs

How can I use "time is lost" in a sentence?

You can use "time is lost" to emphasize the negative impact of delays or inefficiencies. For example: "Due to the unexpected technical difficulties, valuable "time is lost" in completing the project."

What are some alternatives to "time is lost"?

Alternatives to "time is lost" include "time is wasted", "time is squandered", or "opportunity is missed", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "time is lost" or "time was lost"?

The choice between "time is lost" and "time was lost" depends on the tense you need. "Time is lost" implies a present or ongoing situation, while "time was lost" refers to a past event. For example: "If we don't act quickly, more "time is lost"" versus "Due to the delay, valuable "time was lost"".

In what situations is "time is lost" most appropriate?

"Time is lost" is most appropriate in formal or professional contexts where emphasizing the consequences of delays or inefficiencies is crucial. It's frequently used in business, academic, or technical writing to highlight the negative impact of wasting time.