time marched on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time marched on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the passage of time, often implying that life continues regardless of circumstances. Example: "As the years went by, time marched on, and the town changed in ways we never expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But time marched on.

The New York Times - Sports

As time marched on, however, he felt cramped and antsy in his 400 square feet.

The New York Times

But you'll be glad that there were people who did, and that these filmmakers captured them before time marched on.

The New York Times - Arts

But as time marched on, deliberate government action and meaningful federal oversight fell by the wayside in many communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Time marched on — through a reprise of midcentury modernism and then a '30s- and '40s-inspired maximalism.

The New York Times

"If I had to drive my daughter to tennis, why would I want to pick up four other girls?" Time marched on.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

in 1931, when "The March of Time" started, he was taken on a fifty dollars a week to say "Time marches on!" Lately he signed an exclusive contract with "The March of Time" for twenty-five thousand a year.

The New Yorker

As time marches on, shoppers have less patience for gimmicks.

Forbes

Time marches on, indeed.

The New York Times - Books

Time marches on.

The Guardian

Then, three words: "Time marches on".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time marched on" to convey the relentless and unstoppable passage of time, particularly when emphasizing that life or events continued regardless of specific circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "time marched on" in contexts where time is not a relevant factor or when describing a static situation. The phrase implies a dynamic process of change and continuation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time marched on" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the passage of time, often with an implication that events continued inexorably despite circumstances. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time marched on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey the ongoing passage of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it often implies that life or events continued regardless of specific circumstances. While predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. To effectively use it, ensure the context involves a dynamic process of change and continuation. Related phrases include "time passed" and "time went by", offering alternative ways to express the relentless progression of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time passed

This is a simple and direct way to indicate that time has elapsed, without any specific implication of change or progress.

time went by

Similar to "time passed", this phrase emphasizes the continuous flow of time.

as time elapsed

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the gradual nature of time's passage.

the years rolled on

This suggests the cyclical nature of time, with years accumulating.

seasons changed

This phrase highlights the changing of seasons as a marker of the passage of time.

days turned into weeks

This emphasizes the accumulation of days into longer periods.

life went on

This alternative focuses on life continuing, often despite difficulties or challenges.

events unfolded

This phrase suggests that time reveals the progression of events.

the world continued

This focuses on the world's ongoing existence despite specific events.

the clock ticked

A more literal and concrete image of the passage of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "time marched on" to indicate the passage of time, especially when emphasizing that events continued regardless of specific circumstances. For example, "Despite the initial shock, "time marched on", and the city began to rebuild".

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

A more formal alternative could be "as time elapsed" or "as time progressed". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with a slightly elevated tone.

Which is correct, "time marched on" or "time marches on"?

"Time marched on" is generally used to refer to the past. "Time marches on" is used as a general statement about the nature of time, or in titles such as the "March of Time" newsreel series.

Is "time marched on" appropriate for describing personal growth?

Yes, you can use "time marched on" to describe personal growth, especially to emphasize that development continued despite challenges or setbacks. For example, "Time marched on, and she gradually overcame her fears and insecurities".