time machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time machine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a fictional device or machine that could be used for time travel. For example, "Allan dreamed of owning his own time machine and travelling to the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hot Tub Time Machine".

The New York Times

Time Machine, rock.

The New York Times

Hotbox time machine.

The New Yorker

"Your Time Machine — your typewriter?

The New York Times

Typefont as time machine?

The Guardian - Film

ESPN is the ultimate time machine.

The New York Times

"Push a button on a time machine.

The New York Times - Sports

So he built the time machine.

The New Yorker

The real time machine was gone.

The New Yorker

He is his own time machine.

The New York Times - Sports

The dining car is a time machine.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time machine" in fiction, consider the specific mechanics and limitations of your device to maintain internal consistency within your narrative. For example, will it allow altering events, or is it simply an observer?

Common error

While it's tempting to describe nostalgic experiences as a "time machine", reserve this comparison for situations where the evocation of the past is particularly vivid and transformative. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time machine" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun. It refers to a hypothetical device used for temporal displacement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is a key subject in many sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time machine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a hypothetical device for traveling through time, or metaphorically for things that evoke strong memories. To avoid overuse in writing, it's wise to reserve the metaphorical usage for especially vivid and transformative experiences. Consider more technical phrases like "temporal displacement device" for scientific contexts. In essence, understanding the function and usage of "time machine" enhances both clarity and impact in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

device for traveling through time

Expands the original term into a more descriptive phrase.

means of time travel

Focuses on the function rather than the device itself.

vehicle for temporal exploration

Suggests exploration rather than just travel.

temporal displacement device

Replaces common terminology with more technical language.

portal to the past or future

Emphasizes the portal aspect of time travel.

chronological transportation apparatus

Uses formal and technical words to convey a similar concept.

time-bending technology

Highlights the technology aspect of altering time.

chrononautical device

A sophisticated synonym emphasizing travel in time.

wayback machine

A playful, informal take on a device to see the past.

retro-temporal vehicle

Highlights the aspect of going back in time with more specific language.

FAQs

How can I use "time machine" in a sentence?

You can use "time machine" to describe a hypothetical device for traveling through time, as in "The scientist was obsessed with building a "time machine"." It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that evokes strong memories of the past.

What's a more technical alternative to "time machine"?

Alternatives include "temporal displacement device" or "chronological transportation apparatus", which provide a more scientific or technical tone.

Is it correct to use "time machine" metaphorically?

Yes, it's common to use "time machine" metaphorically to describe something that strongly evokes memories of the past. For example, "That old song is like a "time machine", instantly transporting me back to my childhood."

What are some common associations with the concept of a "time machine"?

Common associations include science fiction, paradoxes, historical events, and the ability to alter the past or future. Many films and books explore these themes.