time marches on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time marches on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase that is used to convey the idea that time passes quickly and that one should not waste it. For example, "As time marches on, we must remember to make the most of every moment we have together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But the lovely final illustration, of her elderly and beloved aunt, emphasizes that even where there's wizardry, time marches on, and no one lives forever.

The New York Times - Books

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

Time marches on, trails run cold.

The New Yorker

The third man laughed: "Time marches on".

The New York Times

But in portraits, as in architectural pictures, time marches on.

The New York Times - Arts

Time marches on, and so does the Fifa presidency.

The Guardian - Film

You know them: "Time marches on" and "Such is life".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Lengthy talk story about Cornelius Westbrook Van Voorhis, Jr. the man on the "March of Time" program who says "Time - marches ON!" Tells about his career.

The New Yorker

Time marches on, and you talk about downsizing".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time marches on" to acknowledge the inevitable passage of time, often in situations where change or aging is apparent. It's best used when conveying a sense of acceptance or inevitability.

Common error

Avoid using "time marches on" when a more specific or nuanced expression of time's passage is needed. For example, if you're talking about a project deadline, "time is running out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time marches on" functions as an idiom, expressing the inevitable and continuous passage of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common way to acknowledge that time progresses regardless of circumstances, a sentiment frequently found in various forms of media and literature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Film

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time marches on" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct idiom used to express the inevitable passage of time. Ludwig AI and the numerous examples found indicate its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "tempus fugit" or "the clock is ticking" offer different nuances, "time marches on" remains a versatile and commonly understood way to acknowledge change and aging. Use it to convey a sense of acceptance, and avoid misusing it in contexts that require more specific time-related details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time keeps moving forward

Emphasizes the continuous, forward motion of time, similar to "time marches on" but less idiomatic.

the clock is ticking

Highlights the pressure and urgency associated with a limited time frame, adding a sense of impending deadline.

time is fleeting

Focuses on the transient nature of time and its rapid passage, emphasizing the need to seize the moment.

life goes on

Highlights the continuation of life and events despite difficulties or changes, broader than just time passing.

the world keeps turning

Stresses the continuous nature of the world's events and cycles, offering a broader perspective than simply time's passage.

tempus fugit

Latin for "time flies", offering a more formal and classical alternative.

the years roll by

Emphasizes the gradual and continuous accumulation of years, focusing on the long-term passage of time.

onward and upward

Suggests continuous progress and improvement over time, focusing on a positive direction forward.

time elapses

A formal way to express the passage of time, suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

seasons change

Highlights cyclical changes of the year, emphasizing the transformative nature of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "time marches on" to acknowledge the passage of time, often implying acceptance of aging, change, or inevitability. For example: "The old building looked weathered, a clear sign that "time marches on"".

What's a more formal way to say "time marches on"?

A more formal alternative to "time marches on" is the Latin phrase "tempus fugit", which means "time flies". It conveys a similar sense of the rapid passage of time.

What can I say instead of "time marches on" to emphasize urgency?

If you want to emphasize urgency, consider using phrases like "the clock is ticking" or "time is running out". These alternatives highlight the limited time available.

Is "time marches on" appropriate for all situations?

While "time marches on" is a versatile idiom, it's not suitable for every context. It's best used when reflecting on broader changes or accepting the passage of time, rather than in situations requiring specific time-related details or actions.